Grant-Funded Programs for the 2025-2026 School Year
Our calendars are now open for the entire 2025-2026 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 - Orange County's Water Challenge - 3rd Grade
NGSS PE Supported: 3-ESS2-1
Let's dive into the water challenges faced by Southern California! Students will participate in hands-on activities and collaborate with their peers to find clues and uncover patterns to solve the mystery of water challenges in their community by comparing climate and population data from different regions in California. They then will reflect on and explore personal choices to protect our local water resources.This engaging program teaches students about the importance of water conservation and the science behind it!
Drip Drop - California's Growing Water Needs - 4th Grade
HSS Supported 4.4.4 and 4.4.7
Take a journey back in time to explore California's water history and the three major aqueducts that bring us our water! Students take part in short skirts and analyzing graphs to investigate the history of how Southern California's water needs have changed over time due to a growing population. Evidence will then be used to help brainstorm ways that they can conserve water, reducing the need for future aqueducts. This engaging program highlights the importance of water conservation for the future of Southern California!
Drip Drop - Percolation and Permeation - 5th Grade
NGSS PE Supported: NGSS 5-ESS2-1
Students will explore how the hydrosphere and geosphere interact, investigating how water moves through different soils and surfaces. Through hands-on activities like comparing soil samples and conducting a percolation investigation, students will learn about water permeability and how it affects local water systems. They’ll also explore the surfaces at their school and understand how hard surfaces, like cement and asphalt, can lead to runoff and water pollution. This program highlights how we can take action to reduce runoff and protect our groundwater!
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Scientists of the Sewers Traveling Scientist Program - Crazy Colossal Clogs - Fifth Grade
Funded by the Orange County Sanitation District for schools in Orange County.
NGSS PE Supported: 5-ESS3-1 and 3-5-ETS1-1
Students will work in teams and use hands-on kits to investigate the science behind fatbergs (accumulation of fat, oil, grease and non-biodegradable items). These kits will help students develop an understanding of how fatbergs are causing massive clogs in our sewer system, threatening public health, the community and the local environment. While gaining an understanding of Orange County's sanitation process, then using criteria and constraints, students will work together to design solutions to help reduce fatberg formation and protect our water systems.
Scientists of the Sewers Fifth Grade Grant Application (Submit application to confirm your school’s eligibility)
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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
In this engaging Traveling Scientist program students will think critically about connections between how human land uses impacts watersheds and leads to water pollution through exploration of a fictional watershed - Waterville. Students will work together to test pH and nitrate levels of three water samples from different locations within the Waterville watershed and analyze the results to identify sources of potential pollution. Students will then collaborate to brainstorm strategies of how to monitor or minimize pollution to protect our ecosystems. This program highlights the importance of sustainable land use and water conservation!
Wonders of H2O - High School
NGSS PE Supported: HS-ETS1-3 and HS-ESS3-1
High school students will explore how seismic activity, subsidence, and rising sea levels impact the delicate balance between human and natural systems in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. By analyzing maps of the Delta’s damage potential and land subsidence, students will gather evidence to assess the risk to our vital water resources. This program dives into how natural hazards like earthquakes and land sinking can threaten the Delta’s water supply and its ecosystem. Students will also discusses how modernization projects aim to secure California’s water future.
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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 and MS-LS2-4
While learning about the crucial role microorganisms play in Orange County's sanitation system, students will collaborate to investigate a mock problem of a contaminated wastewater treatment plant. Students will investigate a contaminated wastewater treatment plant, identify the source of the contaminant "Substance X," and test water samples for pH and conductivity. Students will then design solutions to monitor and minimize the effects of the contaminant while analyzing the effects of the contaminant on stability of the microorganism population. Students will also reflect on their impact on local sewer and wastewater treatment systems emphasizing on the importance of protecting our water resources.
Scientists of the Sewers Traveling Scientist Program - High School
NGSS PE Supported: HS-LS2-7 and HS-ESS3-4
Students will develop an understanding of the wastewater treatment process performed by the Orange County Sanitation District to further investigate how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Then, students will reflect on the challenge, discuss constraints, and evaluate potential solutions to minimize the environmental impact. Students will be presented with an opportunity to test different solutions to reduce the weight and quantity of truck load need to transport the biosolids. By understanding the role of biosolid transportation and water content reduction, students will gain insight into how we can make wastewater treatment more sustainable and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their communities.
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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.
