Inside the Outdoors

Serving to collectively empower the next generation of environmentally-literate citizens who think globally and act locally.

3rd Grade

NGSS PE Supported: 3-ESS2-1

During this one-hour assembly, third grade students collaborate with their peers to find clues and uncover patterns that help them solve the mystery of water challenges​ in their community.

After hearing from Ricky Raindrop about the mystery, students work in small teams to compare weather and climate data from different regions in California. They also explore personal choices to protect our local water resources.​​​​

4th Grade

Standards Supported: HSS 4.4.4 and HSS 4.4.7

Fourth grade students explore the key role that water has played in California’s history during this one-hour assembly.

During the program, students analyze maps and graphs and take part in historical re-enactments as they travel through the timeline of California's water resources and infrastructure.​​​

5th Grade

NGSS PE Supported: 5-ESS2-1​

During this one-hour assembly, fifth grade students conduct hands-on experiments to explore how urban surfaces can affect their local water resources.

As students investigate how different types of soils and surfaces affect aquifer recharge, run-off collection, and stormwater recycling, they discover solutions to conserve and protect local water resources.

Middle School

NGSS PE Supported: MS-ESS3-3

Health: 7–8.6.2.P, 7–8.1.10.P

During this hour-long classroom program, middle school students investigate the connections between human land uses and water quality as they explore of a fictional watershed. Throughout the experience, students work in small teams to analyze water samples, identify sources of potential pollution, and brainstorm strategies to monitor or minimize pollution.​​

High School​

NGSS PE Supported: HS-ETS1-3, HS-ESS3-1

During this hour-long classroom program, high school students explore how seismic activity and subsidence alter the relationships of human and natural systems in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Students work in small teams to analyze maps and gather evidence to determine whether these challenges put our water resources at risk.

Renewable Energy

Funded by Anaheim Public Utilities

for eligible schools in the City of Anaheim

4th Grade, High School

NGSS PE supported: 4-PS3-4; HS-PS3-3

The City of Anaheim is dedicated to increasing the use of renewable energy, including solar! During this one-hour classroom program, students explore the physical science principles in electrical energy generation through turbines to solar cells.

Students learn about the diverse sources of renewable energy being implemented by the City of Anaheim, and then calculate the greenhouse gas emission reduction from these efforts.

Prado Wetlands:

Radical Riparian Restoration

Funded by Anaheim Public Utilities

for eligible schools in the City of Anaheim

3rd Grade

NGSS PE supported: 3-LS4-4

During this teacher-facilitated lesson -- designed to easily integrate into your classroom -- third grade students delve into the fascinating world of riparian restoration at the Orange County Water District's Prado Constructed Wetlands.

Throughout the video-supported lesson, students explore how human activities can impact the environment and discuss the merits of various solutions in providing new habitats for plant and animal species.

Scientists of the Sewers

Funded by OC San

for schools in Orange County

5th Grade

NGSS Standards Supported: 5-ESS3-1 & 3-5-ETS1-1

Fatbergs, massive clogs in the sewers, are a menace to public health, the community and the local environment. Students investigate the sources of these colossal clogs, then work together to design a solution to prevent fatbergs from clogging the sewers.

Throughout the program, they develop an understanding of Orange County's sanitation process and how they can help safeguard community and environmental health.​

Middle School

​​NGSS Standards Supported:​ MS-ESS3-3 or MS-LS2-4

​Students learn about the fragile ecosystem of microorganisms which play a critical role in Orange County's sanitation system. Students collaborate and investigate a mock problem which takes them upstream from OC San as they test the sewer line to discover where the contaminant is originating.

Sixth grade students then design a method to safeguard the system, while seventh grade students create an argument explaining how changing factors can affect populations within an ecosystem.

High School

NGSS Standards Supported: HS-LS2-7, HS-ESS3-4

Students review the process that OC San uses to separate domestic wastewater from trash and biosolids. Students test different solutions to reduce the weight and quantity of trucks needed to transport the biosolids.

Finally, students use the test results to evaluate which solutions will decrease human impact on our local environment and its natural systems.​

For questions, email insidetheoutdoors@ocde.us or call 714-708-3885

Inside the Outdoors Programs Align With:

LCAP Bucket: Pupil Outcomes

LCAP Priority: Pupil Achievement

MTSS Domain: Inclusive Academic Instruction

Inside the Outdoors, administered by the Orange County Department of Education, is a unique and hands-on environmental education program. Our mission is to nurture a natural curiosity in students, educators, and communities through environmental literacy experiences, including standards-based Field Trips and Traveling Scientist programs, as well as Community Programs. Professional staff, with the support of local and statewide partners, facilitate meaningful experiences with a consistent focus on service and data-driven outcomes.

Inside the Outdoors

714-708-3885

insidetheoutdoors@ocde.us

insidetheoutdoors.orggg

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