There are several groups on Long Island that conduct in-class programs, make general school presentations or create materials to involve students in water issues. Please contact the groups directly for more information.
Group for the East End - Group educators make classroom visits across eastern Long Island, teaching programs on a variety of environmental and natural history topics. In Water Beneath Our Feet students discuss where freshwater is located on Earth, as well as why Long Island's unique geology allows us to use this source as drinking water. Students will be able to visualize Long Island's three major aquifers by interacting with Group for the East End's groundwater model. They will also better understand how human actions pollute drinking water and what we can do to help minimize our impact on freshwater. Call (631) 765-6450.
Suffolk County Water Authority's educational outreach program is directed toward students in the 4th through 8th grades. The presentation has been designed to cover certain material required by the New York State tests and curriculum. The water cycle is reviewed and the source and protection of our drinking water on Long Island is emphasized. Additionally, tours of SCWA's state-of-the-art water testing laboratory or pump stations can be arranged. Please note that time of year and age of tour group determines availability. Call (631) 563-0365.
The North Shore Land Alliance conducts programs to educates students about Long Island's water – namely, the sole source aquifer that provides our drinking water and the surface waters that make Long Island such a desirable place to live. The program uses interactive lessons to demonstrate the connection between protecting land and water and engage students in their stewardship.Through a series of lessons both in the classroom and outdoors, students are learning about the aquifer their drinking water comes from, its connection to cherished streams, bays and Long Island Sound and how their activities can affect the quality and quantity of this precious resource. Call (516) 626-0908.
Seatuck Environmental Association offers a range of programming for school districts, including in-class presentations and outdoor programs, which can be held on school grounds or at a parks and preserves near the school. Field trips can also be arranged to educational facilities: The Suffolk County Nature Center in Islip, the South Shore Nature Center in East Islip and the SPLIA Sherwood Jayne Farm in East Setauket. Call (631) 581-6908.
Grassroots Environmental Education has developed a series of age-appropriate water education programs and materials for elementary and middle school students, including Gifts from the Earth for grades K-3, Conserve and Protect Our Water for grades 5-6, and I'll Have the Plastic Fish Special, Please for grades 6-8. In Conserve and Protect Our Water, students learn about basic hydrogeology, local ground and surface water resources, and the process by which pollutants (e.g. pesticides, dry cleaning solvents, gas and other petroleum products, cesspools, industrial waste, etc.) can contaminate this precious natural resource. We also discuss how water is used (and wasted) and steps that can be taken by individuals, families and communities to protect our water. Students are encouraged to suggest their own ideas for conservation and protection. A discussion of bottled water versus tap water concludes the program. Call (516) 883-0887.