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. Traditionally held in person in the fall at the MWMC’s Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant, Clean Water University provides an opportunity to learn about wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water. Though we shifted to a virtual curriculum offering this school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the overarching goal of the program remains the same: to teach students about the importance of clean water.
All 5th grade classes in the area are invited to participate in the curriculum, which is designed to be incorporated into existing lesson plans. 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 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
