Wastewater Laboratory for High School Students

Testimonials from Students, Teachers, and Wastewater Agencies

Students

"As a result of this experiment, I am aware about what goes on when I flush waste down the toilet. If it were not for this project, I would have never guessed my wastewater could be turned into clear water!" -- Melissa B., student "Now I know that there are people at the other end of the toilet." -- Amanda, student

"I couldn't believe they were dumping sewage straight into the river - they need to do Sewer Science there."
-- Jim B., student, upon returning from a foreign country

Teachers

"What better way to learn about the environment. This lab allows the students to apply scientific concepts using real industry procedures and lab equipment. For one week, they get to be true scientists!"
-- Suzanne Cranmer, Biology Teacher, Las Lomas High School, Walnut Creek, CA

"My students are captivated with the wastewater treatment labs. They not only learn crucial scientific concepts regarding water treatment, water quality testing, chemistry, and microbiology, but they actually realize how their own actions impact our bay water. After treating and testing the wastewater and being fascinated by the protists under the microscope, students THINK about whether a substance should or should not go down the drain. They realize how much work it takes to clean the water, and that there are some toxic substances that should never go down the drain, because they won't be removed by the treatment process, and can poison aquatic species. Sewer Science has been an epiphany for many students."
-- Maya Slocum, Integrated Science Teacher, Menlo-Atherton High School, Menlo Park, CA

Wastewater Agencies

"Sewer Science is a key component of SBSA's Pollution Prevention Program. When the lab is complete, an SBSA representative discusses practical water quality topics with the students. The pay back is when these students become well-informed members of our community and can react intelligently to water pollution issues. We feel that Sewer Science is an investment in the future."
-- Ken Kaufman, Technical Service Manager, South Bayside System Authority, Redwood City, CA

"We're always looking for new and interesting ways to reach out to our student population. Sewer Science provides an enjoyable and meaningful way to educate our future ratepayers and decision-makers about important water quality issues affecting them and their families."

-- Harriette Heibel, Community Affairs Manager, Central Contra Costa Sanitary District

"Originating from a science teacher's request to our agency, we designed Sewer Science to blend public agency outreach needs with school curriculum requirements. Working closely with teachers and students, we created a pilot lab unit that we tested and refined over a two-year period, culminating with the final lab program, student workbooks, equipment and support material."
-- Stephanie Hughes, Source Control Manager, Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant

Introduction to Sewer Science
How the Lab Works
Lab Materials
Current Program Participants
Testimonials from Students, Teachers, and Agencies
How to Duplicate This Program
Program Materials

The Clean Bay Campaign is a project of the Regional Water Quality Control Plant.