Wastewater in the Watershed Educator Workshop

Wastewater in the Watershed Educator Workshop

September 30 & October 1, 2026

Target Audience: Teachers of grades 4 – 12.

Participants will explore coastal habitats, conduct field investigations, meet researchers, and discover the importance of wastewater treatment to Cape Cod and beyond! The goal of this course is to improve teachers’ and students’ understanding of the importance of coastal salt marshes and bays, the impact of too many nutrients upon them, and how to increase stewardship of watersheds and estuaries. Teachers get hands-on with classroom and web-based activities, explore estuaries and ponds, and visit a wastewater treatment plant and experimental wastewater treatment systems. The course incorporates investigations in the field and the use of online data to help educators bring local and national data into the classroom. It will introduce teachers to local research and researchers including Dr. Scott D. Wankel, a WHOI scientist working at Waquoit Bay studying a range of nitrogen cycling processes in natural waters and sediments. Teachers will take home a classroom kit to be able to replicate the activities in their own classroom. Course content and activities will be aligned with Massachusetts state science and math frameworks and Next Generation Science Standards.

Click here for additional information, workshop objectives & goals, and more.

Cost: There is no cost to attend this workshop. Lunch, PDPs, and teaching resources provided.

Lodging: Inquire about free lodging for those beyond community distance.

Questions: contact Sonia Ahrabi-Nejad, Education Coordinator, sonia.ahrabi-nejad@mass.gov