Preserving the Environment & Improving Water Quality
       MMSD provides FREE in-class presentations, parallel learning activities, and tours of the water reclamation facilities, central laboratory, and water monitoring vessel--The Pelagos. We realize that real-life exposure to these professions is important for students as they prepare to make career choices, and to better help them understand the interconnectedness of our environment. To schedule, contact the Community Affairs Coordinator at 414-225-2191 or by email cpalmer@mmsd.com. Classroom Visits (Grades 2 and up) Through in-class presentations and other learning activities, students will be exposed to the science, technology, and careers and legislation involved with managing our regional water resources. Presentation topics can included, but are not limited to:
Central Laboratory Tours (Middle and High School Level) On a limited basis, groups of 10 or less can tour our Central Laboratory. Learn about environmental testing in the state's largest municipal wastewater testing laboratory. Contact us to discuss alternative presentations for larger groups. Submitting your tour request at least 30 days in advance is recommended. Water Reclamation Tours (Grades 5 and up) Group tours, suitable for adults and students grades 5 and up, of the Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility are available. Scheduling your tour at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance is recommended. Call to request your FREE copy of the Lou's Sewer Tour Video and Activity Book for in-classroom use. Pelagos Boat Tour (High School Level) On a limited basis, and for groups of 15 or less, tours can be scheduled for high school groups aboard the Pelagos. Learn about the equipment used in water sampling and differing land conditions that impact water quality. Contact us to discuss alternative presentations for larger groups. Submitting your tour request at least 30 days in advance is recommended. HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES Contact us to find out more about the following hands-on learning activities.
 Does your school have scouting as an extracurricular activity? We'd love to work with your group of ten or more scouts to help them fulfill the requirements for their water quality related scouting patches. We can also provide the supplies for stenciling storm drains or water-way cleanups as service projects. Do you have scouts working to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award or to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout? If their project relates to water quality or environmental issues, we may have someone on staff willing to serve as a project mentor or advisor. Many of our tours, hands-on activities and presentations fulfill requirements for the following patches.
Here's what some scouts had to say after a visit with us! "Thank you so much for the informative tour you gave our Girl Scout troop on Friday, August 15. We all learned a lot about the water that passes through our lives and on to Lake Michigan. Each time I turn on the faucet now, or flush the toilet, I am reminded of all we saw." "After we left Jones Island, we went to Alterra on the Lake and saw the old flushing station. The girls read the signage and looked at the remaining equipment. Again, it was very interesting to learn about the systems that deal with our water. We have lived in Milwaukee all our lives and never fully appreciated the efforts being made to keep the water as clean as possible. As young teens entering eighth grade next month, I am sure that our girls will remember what they saw and will be more respectful of the water they use in the future." "As a result of our time with you and all we learned, the girls have now completed their first Interest Project as Cadette Girl Scouts: Eco-Action. They started to work on it in February, so this is a big accomplishment for them. Again, thank you for your time and the knowledge you shared.” |
