Join an all-star lineup of Pittsburgh Water, Allegheny Land Trust, Pennsylvania Resources Council and Penn State Extension for the Stormwater Science and Green Infrastructure Learning Lab, a hands-on, immersive experience designed for educators teaching 5th grades and up.

During our lab, we'll dive into Pittsburgh’s urban watershed, explore how science, history, and engineering come together to solve real-world, watershed-level challenges and how we can improve water quality and our environment with the choices we make as a community.

Through an interactive tour of the Wightman Park Green Infrastructure project, engaging Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) activities to share in the classroom, and expert-led discussions, you’ll uncover the history and design of Pittsburgh's sewer system, our unique stormwater siutation, green infrastructure solutions that better manage stormwater, and even career pathways for students to consider in careers that intersect these topics.

Our all-stars bring their impactful work on behalf of our shared environment and waterways to you, providing practical tools to bring these lessons to life in your classroom!

Approximately $100 worth of resources will be given to educators in attendance as well as a curriculum guide and STEM Activity Guide.

You must register to attend, no walk-ins will be permitted. You must attend the entire day to receive your resources.

5 hours of ACT 48 are available. Lunch is provided.

A $10 donation supports the Allegheny Land Trust.

This program was generously funded through a DEP EE grant.


Workshop Highlights: 
 

• Hidden Systems: Pittsburgh’s Urban Watershed and Sewershed: Educators will learn from Pittsburgh Water how environmental and climate science intersect with history and infrastructure planning. The discussion will include information about Pittsburgh’s infrastructure past and how Pittsburgh Water’s Stormwater engineers incorporate science and data to identify challenges and opportunities when creating plans to manage stormwater in ways that honor equity.  
   
• Interactive Guided Tour of Green Infrastructure Projects + Careers in Stormwater and Sewer: Teachers will be guided through the Wightman Park green infrastructure project in the City of Pittsburgh. During the tour, participants will view and learn about the design, purpose, and performance of green infrastructure components such as permeable pavements, bioswales, rain gardens, and retention tanks. These features showcase how nature-based solutions reduce flooding risks, recharge groundwater, filter pollutants from stormwater runoff, and improve environmental health. Teachers will also learn about the multitude of good jobs tied to stormwater management and the sewer system that are critical to reliable infrastructure. 
   
• Waste Audit with Pennsylvania Resources Council: Teachers will participate in a hands-on litter audit of a local catch basin. They will wear protective equipment and use a trash grabber and a bucket to collect trash and will learn how to guide the activity, discussion and use of a worksheet with their students. 
   
• MWEEs with Allegheny Land Trust:  A hands-on activity to share a Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience in your classroom.
   
• The Urban Pittsburgh Watershed with Penn State Master Watershed Stewards: Discover how stormwater shapes our cities and impacts local waterways and the challenges urban areas face in managing runoff, the role of green infrastructure in reducing pollution and flooding.