Stormwater SMART's Environmental Educators are funded through member dues from local governments throughout the Piedmont Triad. For teachers, we bring watershed science to K-12 students using 3D models and interactive lessons that correlate with NC Essential Science Standards. We are delighted to serve in all types of K-12 environments: public, private, and charter schools; cooperative home school groups; after-school programs; youth clubs and civic groups; and more! Our most popular programs are described below. BUT, if you have a specific environmental topic or maybe a patch program that you would like us to address, please complete our "Request a Free Program" form. We can discuss your needs/goals and provide you with a fun, educational and engaging program.

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Program Descriptions

Water Quality? Ask the Bugs!

Suggested Age/Grade: 4th-5th grade, 6th–8th Grade

Approximate Lesson Length: 45-55 minutes per session

Suggested Number of Students: 10 – 35 per session

Stormwater SMART has created a hands-on stream. Students use this model to understand how to determine the health of the stream by “Asking The Bugs”.

In this engaging lesson, participants participate in using charts to identify macroinvertebrates, the number of macroinvertebrates, and the diversity within the stream. Participants will also learn how they can help with the problems facing the steams health.

SMART educators involve students in discussions that correlate with Earth and Human Activity Strand in the 2023 Science Standards.

Stormwater SMART provides 1-2 instructors and all game materials. For questions or scheduling, email: stormwatersmart@ptrc.org. See correlation to the 2023 Science Standards below:

NC Department of Public Instruction: 2023 Science Standards - 4th grade Example Below- Contact for further correlation
ESS.4.3 Understanding changes caused by human impact on the environment.	ESS.4.3.3 Obtain, evaluate and communicate information to compare solutions to environmental problems impacting plants and animals.
ESS.4.3 Understanding changes caused by human impact on the environment.	ESS,4.3.3 Obtain, evaluate and communicate information to compare solutions to environmental problems impacting plants and animals.

Human Impact? EnviroScape 3D Watershed Model

Suggested Age/Grade: 4th-5th grade, 6th – 8th grade, High School

Lesson Length: 35-45 minutes per session

Number of Students: 10 – 35 per session

Stormwater SMART utilizes a 3D model watershed called the EnviroScape to help participants understand humans and the hydrosphere. In this hands-on, engaging lesson, participants participate in identifying common pollutants in rural and urban areas, then make it rain on the model to see how stormwater moves within the watershed.

SMART educators can involve students in discussions that correlate with Earth and Human Activity Strand in the 2023 Science Standards.

Other Information: Stormwater SMART provides 1-2 instructors and all game materials. For questions or scheduling, email: stormwatersmart@ptrc.org. See correlation to the 2023 Science Standards below:

NC Department of Public Instruction: 2023 Science Standards - 4th grade Example Below
ESS.4.3 Understanding changes caused by human impact on the environment.	ESS.4.3.2 Engage in argument from evidence to explain how humans can adapt their behavior to live in changing environments (e.g. recycling wastes, establishing rain gardens, planting native species to prevent flooding and erosion).

NC Watershed Game

Suggested Age/Grade: High School (can be adapted for grades 6-12)

Suggested Lesson Length: 45-55 minutes per session

Suggested Number of Students: 10 – 35 per session

Participants play an interactive team activity using an oversized game board that depicts a fictional watershed. Working collaboratively, the players learn how different human behaviors impact water quality in a river basin. The participants experiment with applying a variety of potential solutions to help manage pollution and evaluate the cost vs. benefit for those management practices.

Stormwater SMART provides 1-2 instructors and all game materials. For questions or scheduling, email: stormwatersmart@ptrc.org. See correlation to the 2023 Science Standards below:

NC Department of Public Instruction: 2023 Science Standards

ESS.EES.5 Evaluate How human consumption patterns impact Earth's systems.

ESS.EES.5.1 Analyze and interpret data to explain the impacts of land use on Earth's systems.

ESS.EES.5.2 Analyze and interpret data to evaluate how human use of ground and surface waters impacts water quality and availability in river basins, wetlands, estuaries, and aquifers.

ESS.EES.5.5 Construct an argument to evaluate potential solutions that will ensure sustainable consumption of Earth's resources.

ESS.EES.5.6 Construct an argument to evaluate a range of solutions to mitigate impacts of human activities on Earth's systems.

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Program Descriptions