School Education

The City of Paso Robles sponsors a school education program consisting of two interactive class presentations and field trips, which correlate to the California school science standards. Presentations and experiences are available to grades Kindergarten to 6th and are tailored to varying age groups, keeping children engaged in lessons and activities.

Thought-provoking and meaningful lessons make connections to our water resources and encourage preservation!

The Story of Your Water

(Grades K-6) This interactive, 45-minute class program will teach students about the water cycle, water treatment and water conservation in the home and yard. The presentation includes vivid display boards and graphics with follow-up materials to use in your classroom.

Wastewater Exploration

(Grades 3-6) This interactive slide program with drone video content allows students to see, explore, and understand how their wastewater facility works in dramatic ways. They'll even take a viral tour of the lab and learn about a variety of techniques in which water is tested to meet rigorous state and federal standards. Students will also learn about chemical, mechanical, and biological methods of treating water, forming a better understanding of the complexities of wastewater treatment in Paso Robles. The program concludes by following water from the facility outflow into the Salinas River, becoming part of the water cycle and our natural environment.

Wastewater Field Trip

(Grades 3-6) The newly renovated wastewater treatment facility is now available for tours and includes tertiary treatment! Your students will observe first-hand how wastewater from schools, homes, and businesses is cleaned. They will see and learn about the mechanical, biological, and chemical methods used to clean our wastewater. This eye-opening experience will leave students and teachers with a new-found appreciation for the science of wastewater treatment.

Stormwater Pollution Prevention...You're the Connection

(Grades K-6) During this 45-minute presentation students will learn about many of the potential pollutants found around their homes and how they can prevent these pollutants from contaminating local creeks, waterways, and the ocean. Students will identify and discuss how they can affect local ecosystems using two 3-D display boards specifically designed for this presentation. This presentation also emphasizes stream ecology, stormwater runoff, and food chains.

Stormwater Field Trip

(Grades 4-6) This field trip will introduceyour students to a hands-on study of water quality. The trip is designed to be a follow-up to the Stormwater Pollution Prevention class program (above). Students will be scientists who must determine as much as they can about the characteristics of the water in a small lake. Working in groups, students will measure parameters such as water transparency, pH, and microscopic plant and animal life. Microscopes and water testing materials will be provided. Each student will be given a clipboard and water data sheet to record their findings.

Prerequisite for this field trip: Stormwater Pollution Prevention...You're the Connection. .