The City of Springfield, City of Eugene, and Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC) are proud to offer the Clean Water University program to 5th grade classes in the Eugene-Springfield area free of charge.
2024-2025 School Year
We are excited to announce that this year’s in-person field trip will be October 4 and 5, 2023! Plus, we are continuing to offer our virtual curriculum. Regardless of how students participate, the overarching goal of the program remains the same: to teach students about the importance of clean water.
For questions or if you’re interested in learning more about Clean Water University, email mwmcpartners@springfield-or.gov or call 541-726-2233.
Lessons & Materials
Each of the lessons is outlined in detail in the 2024-2025 Clean Water University Teachers Guide, including an overview of the lesson with key learning outcomes, key words, teaching points, and procedures/materials. The Teachers’ Guide also includes details about the Incentive Program being offered this year for participating schools/classes.
Additionally, the videos, handouts, and other materials associated with each lesson are linked below under the corresponding header.
Lesson 1: Water Cycle
Lesson 2: Drinking Water
Lesson 3: Water Quality
Lesson 4: Macroinvertebrates
- CWU: Macroinvertebrates Video
- CWU Macros Guide
- Macroinvertebrates Overview Handout (one per student)
- Aquatic Life in our Local Waterways Coloring Book (one per student)
Lesson 5: Wastewater Treatment
- MWMC Wastewater Treatment Video
- Wastewater Treatment Process Maze, courtesy of Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Chicago (one per student)
- Wastewater Bingo Boards (one per student) and Questions & Answers Sheet
- Wastewater Wise Worksheet (one per student)
- MWMC Website
- BONUS MATERIAL: Wastewater Coloring Puzzle (one per student)
- BONUS MATERIAL: Virtual Field Trip to MWMC Wastewater Treatment Plant with Eugene School District 4J Librarian Amy Page
Lesson 6: Microorganisms
Lesson 7: Pollution Prevention
- MWMC Pollution Prevention Video
- Flush With Care Worksheet, courtesy of Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Chicago (one per student)
- MWMC’s Pollution Prevention webpage
Lesson 8: Sustainability
Lesson 9: Wrap-Up Jeopardy Game
Clean Water University Testimonials
“I thought at first that these weren’t important in life. But now that I know everything, it’s actually pretty exciting! I love CWU! Grade for CWU: A++ and so on!” –Kai, Thurston Elementary
“My favorite lesson was when we got to look at the aquatic macroinvertebrates. I know that mayfly larva have three tails and that they breath through their gills. Another thing I learned was that water needs to be clean for fish to breath.” –Ashley, Moffitt Elementary
