MSD Clean Water: A Stormwater Education Program

Table of Contents

Watershed Models in the Classroom

Storm Drain Marking Projects

Professional Development for Educators

Educational Resources

Take Our School Stormwater Survey 

The health of our nearby rivers, creeks, and streams is an ever increasing challenge in our community—and it takes all of us to help! Reducing stormwater runoff and other best management practices can help protect our local waterways. The field of stormwater management is becoming more vital to our livelihoods, and future engineers and other professionals in STEM fields are needed to continue progress. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) Clean Water Education program provides educators throughout the MSD service area with educational resources to help bring this topic to life in the classroom through hands-on demonstrations, action projects, and more.

Bring this topic to life in your classroom through the MSD Clean Water Education program today!

Questions or to learn more:

Contact us at MSDCleanwater@mobot.org or 314.577.0281

Watershed Models in the Classroom 

The EnviroScape is a visual, hands-on tool that demonstrates how water pollution results from everyday activities. Through this demonstration students will learn how everyone in their community can reduce non-point source pollution and have healthier watersheds.

  • Reservation is FREE 
  • EarthWays will drop-off and pick-up model
  • Staff will provide FREE training and teaching aids on how to use the model with your class

Are you looking for a virtual EnviroScape presentation? Access a free pre-recorded version of the stormwater demonstration.

Stormwater Pollution Video

 Storm Draining Marking Projects 

We provide all the tools and equipment your group needs to help put knowledge into action. MSD's Storm Draining Marker Program provides a visible reminder of the consequences of improper waste disposal, and helps commuicate to the community that storm drains can carry pollution to area rivers and streams. Great for school projects, scouts, and community groups!

  • Participation is FREE
  • We provide you with all the needed supplies
  • Students build skills in community activity, using maps, recording data, and using GIS software
Professional Development for Educators

The EarthWays Center holds two workshops each year to train educators how to use the EnviroScape and explore other topics related to stormwater management and protecting local waterways from pollution. 

Get started in building your knowledge and understanding of stormwater issues in our area at an upcoming teacher workshop. Workshops are designed to help facilitate teachers' desire to learn more about stormwater management and water quality while discovering new ways to bring this topic back to their classroom.

During the workshop we will:

  • Discuss issues related to stormwater management and water quality such as non-point vs. point source pollution, pollution impact, and best management practices for our community
  • Review curriculum ideas that tie to state standards while still providing meaningful, engaging, and hands-on learning opportunities you can do with your students!
  • Train you on how to use the popular EnviroScape watershed model; models are available for loan FREE from the MSD Clean Water Education program. 
  • Work with staff to learn how to present and use this model in your classroom.

Want to feature EnviroScape training at a professional development opportunity for your school or district? Contact Maggie McCoy at mmccoy@mobot.org to find out how.

Participating educators* will receive a $100 stipend, digital copies of the MSD Clean Water Education lessons and materials, and a Clean Water Educator Certificate. 

*Educators must teach in a formal setting at a school or district located in MSD's service territory to be eligible for workshop stipend.

Upcoming dates are March 5 and July 26, 2022.

Register for a Workshop!

Educational Resources

The following 10 activities are intended to provide teachers with high quality, interactive activities to incorporate clean water topics into their classroom instruction. All lessons were developed for use in upper elementary and middle school classrooms, but can be easily adapted by educators for all grade levels.

Activities include:

  1. Create Your Own Water Cycle
  2. What is a Watershed?
  3. Schoolyard Watershed Walk
  4. Runoff Roundup and Erosion Experiment
  5. Impervious Business
  6. Exploring Point and Nonpoint Source Pollution and Solutions
  7. What’s the Source?
  8. Schoolyard Stormwater Assessment
  9. Home Management Plan
  10. Citizen Science: Water Quality Testing and Data Collection

Teacher Resource Packet

EnviroScape Script

Additional information about stormwater pollution and solutions can be found at: 

Stormwater Management
MSD Project Clear
Rainscaping Guide

 

Take Our School Stormwater Survey

By filling out this survey, you will help the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District and EarthWays Center improve stormwater and water quality for K–12 schools educational offerings. Your feedback is vital to help us improve local water quality and engage the St. Louis school community as effectively as possible.

Take the Survey Now!

The MSD Clean Water Program is a program of the Missouri Botanical Garden with support from Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District.