The Curriculum Project
The learning experiences presented here provide a complement of engaging lessons and activities, materials, rubrics and resources designed for the middle school student. With a quick log in option, it also offers formal and informal educators online access to join our Discussion Forum, an online forum for sharing ideas, successes and challenges.
In fall 2014, Fairmount Water Works launched a three year Middle School Teacher Fellowship Program to develop an integrated urban watershed curriculum for grades 6–8, aligned with core standards. This phase of the development and piloting of the curriculum was completed in June 2017. The 3-year project was supported by the William Penn Foundation and the Philadelphia Water Department.
Curriculum Units
The curriculum is made up of 6 units. Each unit is made up of individual Learning Experiences.
Unit 1
Water in Our World
Students will develop a basic appreciation of and love for the value of water.
Unit 2
Drinking Water & You
Students will understand how a safe and reliable drinking water supply system works.
Unit 3
Down the Drain or Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Students will discover how cities engineer an effective wastewater systems and how it works.
Unit 4
Land and Water: A Delicate Balance
Students will understand the environmental balancing act between land use and development and water quality.
Unit 5
Green (and Blue) Plan for the Future: Playing a Part
Students will explore 21st-century solutions that promote sustainable practices on land that impact water quality.
Unit 6
Environmental Stewardship, Climate Change and Youth Action
Students will transform their ideas and knowledge into action in their schools, neighborhoods and city.