Water and Energy Education Newsletter
December 2021
Hello Teachers,

In the last few weeks of 2021, our education team has found a rhythm going back and forth between teaching virtual and in-person lessons. Looking ahead, it's a relief to know that despite the continued uncertainties with the COVID pandemic, we are able to deliver engaging lessons on the essentials of our water and energy systems.

Read on for new opportunities for you and your students. 

Best wishes for a happy holiday and a bright new year,

The Water and Energy Education Team at Sonoma Water
Stewardship grants for students and teachers

Up to $1,000 per project


In our first year offering this program, we put out a call to action and teachers responded! We have mailed checks to support 7 classroom projects that include water catchment systems, worm composting, school waste reduction campaigns, water-filling stations, and school gardens.

Funds remain for a few more project applications, we can't wait to see what you and your students come up with.

Second round of applications due January 26, 2022
Sign up for one of our free lessons in 2022
A Sonoma Water educator will come to your in-person or virtual classroom. Learn more about each lesson by exploring the links below.
Be a Water and Energy Hero!

Grade 3- This program provides students with fundamental knowledge about where their drinking water and electricity come from and why it's important to become a water and energy hero who practices conservation everyday. Students are introduced to the science of climate change and explore scenarios in which they can make a positive difference. Hands-on activities connect students with renewable and nonrenewable sources of energy.
Where Does our Electricity Come From?

Grade 4- During a one-hour lesson, students take a deep dive into the pros and cons of solar power while experimenting with solar panels and small fans. A 5-part asynchronous lesson series provide background information about the connections between electricity and climate change.
Electricity and Climate Change

Grades 6-8- During this 90-minute lesson, students make observations of the evidence that climate change is taking place. The lesson includes a STEM challenge in which teams of 3-4 students work together to design and create wind blades capable of spinning a small generator. 
Climate Change in the North Bay

Grades 9-12-In our latest program partnership with Sonoma Clean Power, we offer a one-hour classroom lesson on climate change and field trip to the Advanced Energy Center, Sonoma Clean Power’s new storefront located in downtown Santa Rosa. Not a typical store, the Advanced Energy Center is a learning hub where energy-efficient appliances and other technological improvements for the home are on display. High school students will learn how electric heat pumps work, explore how induction cooking is an all-electric alternative to natural gas, and experience what a carbon-free home could look like. 
Grades 6-12


Drought awareness is interwoven throughout all of our programs year as our region experiences a severe drought. Rainfall and reservoir storage levels are at historic lows. It is critical that we work together to protect and conserve our water resources.
Middle and high school teachers can register for a new lesson dedicated to the fundamentals of drought. Students are asked to think critically about the effects of drought on the natural environment, their personal water use, and the best ways to conserve water. 

Learning objectives:
  • To become aware of current local drought conditions
  • To explore environmental impacts of drought using models, pictures, and hands-on examples
  • To feel empowered to conserve water and design solutions to help limit the impacts of drought
Upcoming professional development opportunities for teachers
"I hope you survive before you spawn. We love you!”

A fish wish for a steelhead fry released into Santa Rosa Creek from Jacob, a 3rd grader at Burbank Elementary.
Steelhead in the Classroom

Teacher Workshop (virtual) January 8, 22, and 29, 2022

This workshop qualifies teachers to apply for a permit to receive steelhead eggs in Spring 2022.

The Steelhead in the Classroom program provides a memorable opportunity for students to not only connect with the fish they raise in the classroom, and builds relationship with their local creek and river. Learn about the program with our new YouTube video.

Climate Change in Sonoma County

Teacher Workshop - Summer 2022 (dates to be announced)

Planning is underway to host a 5-day externship for teachers to immerse in the climate change research, mitigation, adaptation, and education taking place in Sonoma County. Teachers will learn about the private and public organizations proactively addressing climate change at different locations across Sonoma County. Afternoons will be dedicated to developing lesson(s) with the support of a curriculum coach. Financial compensation is included and space will be limited to 20 teachers.
Interested in learning more about our FREE programs? Visit our website for more details. Or email us at: WaterEd@scwa.ca.gov