Virtual Field Trip: Managing Stormwater with DC Water
Summary
Join EarthEcho International and DC Water for a truly behind-the-scenes look at how the nation’s capital is combatting its storm and wastewater pollution problems. Engineer James Wonneberg will take you 100 feet underground to explore Washington, DC’s new stormwater tunnels: over 13 miles of massive tunnels that hold and treat storm and wastewater before it pollutes local waterways. From there, engineer Bethany Bezak will take you to the highest point in DC, the top of a drinking water reservoir surrounded by green infrastructure. Both of these sites offer two different solutions to DC’s storm and wastewater overflow problem, but together they are creating a cleaner, greener, healthier city, Chesapeake Bay, and water planet.
This virtual field trip focuses on Next Generation Science Standards relating to Engineering Design, Earth and Human Activity, and Earth’s Systems.
Panelists
Classroom Resources
Video Worksheet: What Happens When We Build Cities?
This worksheet accompanies Day 2 The Issue: What Happens When We Build Cities? Students should take time for reflection before, during, and after the video while focusing on key vocabulary terms and the major themes, including:
Into the Dead Zone: What Happens When We Build Cities?
Take to the Anacostia River with Philippe Cousteau and the EarthEcho Expeditions team as they journey across the water and underground in Washington, DC, to explore the impact of urbanization on the water cycle.
To learn more about Lady Bird and the tunnel project visit: dcwater.com/ladybird
Additional stormwater resources from EarthEcho can be found in EarthEcho Expeditions: Into the Dead Zone, Day 2, What Happens When We Build Cities?.
To learn what you and your classroom can do to make a difference, check out RainCheck: A Guide to Stormwater Action.