Grant-Funded Programs for the 2024-2025 School Year
Our calendars are now open for the entire 2024-2025 school year!
Please read the guidelines carefully, as some of the requirements may have changed. New opportunities are added as grants are awarded to Inside the Outdoors.
We strongly suggest that you do not register for a program until you hear from us about the status of your grant application. When your program is approved, our contract process with your district begins. Once your district contract is signed, then your school is bound to the terms and conditions.
For questions, contact us at insidetheoutdoors@ocde.us or (714) 708-3885.
Traveling Scientist Grants - Elementary Schools in Orange County
Drip Drop - Grade Level Assemblies
Funded by the Municipal Water District of Orange County and the Family of Orange County Water Providers for eligible schools in Orange County.
**Priority scheduling given to schools that register for 3rd, 4th, 5th grades on the same day.**
Drip Drop - 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 will 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.
Drip Drop - 4th Grade
History-Social Science Standards Supported: 4.4.4 & 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.
Drip Drop - 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.
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Scientists of the Sewers Traveling Scientist Program - Fifth Grade
Funded by the Orange County Sanitation District for schools in Orange County.
NGSS PE Supported: 5-ESS3-1 & 3-5-ETS1-1
Fatbergs, or 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.
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Traveling Scientist Grants - Middle School & High Schools in Orange County
Wonders of H2O Traveling Scientist Programs
Wonders of H2O - Middle School
NGSS PE Supported: MS-ESS3-3; Health Standards Supported: 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.
Wonders of H2O - 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.
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Scientists of the Sewers Traveling Scientist Programs
Funded by the Orange County Sanitation District for schools in Orange County.
Scientists of the Sewers Traveling Scientist Program - Middle School
NGSS PE 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.
Scientists of the Sewers Traveling Scientist Program - High School
NGSS PE Supported: HS-LS2-7 & HS-ESS3-4
Students explore the process that OC San uses to separate domestic wastewater from trash and biosolids. They then test different solutions to reduce the weight and quantity of trucks needed to transport the biosolids. Finally, they use the test results to evaluate which solutions will decrease human impact on our local environment and its natural systems.
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Free Classroom Resources for Orange County TeachersEco Challenge Curriculum
Funded by OC Waste & Recycling for schools in Orange County.
The Eco Challenge curriculum was created to increase countywide consciousness and awareness of landfill processes, organic waste diversion, and resource recovery through academic standards-aligned classroom lessons, student activities, and family engagement materials. By taking part in it, you are helping California achieve its goal of a 75% reduction in waste by 2025!
The curriculum is offered by grade level: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, Middle School, and High School. Lessons are also available for Expanded Learning Opportunity programs (ELO-P) and other after-school programs.
