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The City of Hillsboro Water Department offers complimentary classroom presentations for all ages that coincide with water-related topics.

From Source to Tap: Protecting Drinking Water in the Tualatin River

Identify threats to water quality and filter out contaminants in this hands-on model-making activity. 

• Grades 4-5
• 50 minutes - 1 hour
• Materials provided 
• Schedule a presentation

This engaging presentation introduces students to drinking water sources within the Tualatin River watershed, explores how water contamination can occur, and provides an overview of the water treatment process.

Students will then build and test a model filtration system, using the scientific method to hypothesize their filter efficacy. After filtering 'contaminated' water through their model, students will discuss strategies to protect the watershed from contamination. 

Key Topics

• Critical thinking and environmental stewardship.
• Importance of clean drinking water. 
• Steps students can take to protect water in their community. 

Drop in the Bucket: How Much Freshwater is Available on Earth?

Estimate and calculate the percentage of available freshwater on Earth. 

• Grades 4-6
• 30 minutes - 1 hour
• Materials provided
• Schedule a presentation

In this lesson, students will apply their math skills to gain an understanding of how limited freshwater on Earth is. Students will expand their water vocabulary, visualize different volumes of water, calculate the amount of accessible potable water on Earth, and play a game with real water meters used in Hillsboro!

Key Topics

• Visualize the volume of freshwater on Earth. 
• Learn water vocabulary. 
• Discover drinking water sources. 

The Incredible Journey

Experience the path of water from a cloud to tap in this dynamic role-playing dice game. 

• Grades K-3
• 45 minutes
• Materials provided 
• Schedule a presentation 

When we think of the water cycle, what usually comes to mind is a streamlined sequence of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation. In reality, the path of water molecules is far less predictable! With a roll of the die, your students will move as water molecules within the water cycle, visually tracking their own journeys by stacking beads on a bracelet. 

Key Topics:

• How water moves within the water cycle. 
• The different states of water as it moves through the water cycle. 
• What watersheds are in our area. 

Edible Aquifers

Learn about groundwater and aquifers through a tasty, hands-on modeling activity. 

• Grades 4-6
• 1 hour
• Materials provided 
• Schedule a presentation

Do you know where your drinking water comes from? While Hillsboro Water comes from above-ground sources, such as rivers and reservoirs, approximately 70% of Oregonians get their drinking water from aquifers underground (DEQ, 2024). In this activity, your students will build an aquifer from edible treats layer-by-layer while learning about the importance of protecting groundwater resources.

Key Topics:

• Drinking water sources in Hillsboro and beyond. 
• The differences between groundwater and surface water. 
• Aquifers and how water flows through them. 

Request Resources

• Request water education resources by email
• Call 503-615-6737

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Calendar Contest

For 19 years, the City of Hillsboro Water Department has partnered with local elementary schools to illustrate a calendar for water conservation tips. The calendar project is a way for students to artistically express what they have learned about being water wise and aware.

Each year, Hillsboro Water will chooses 14 pictures (12 months and a front and back cover) that best illustrate the annual theme from all entries received. At least one picture from each grade will be selected. 

Contact Information

• Call 503-615-6702.
• Send Hillsboro Water an email.
• Visit 150 E Main Street, Third Floor, Hillsboro, OR 97123.