Published: Dec 02, 2018 | 16:48 PM

Discover the World with Education

What’s a water bear? And what two natural forces drive the water cycle? Irvine Ranch Water District helps answer these and countless other questions in its educational outreach to the community.

IRWD partners with Discovery Cube on water-related school assemblies and field trips to the San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, where students learn about the natural processes associated with the water cycle, water purification and the importance of water efficiency. The programs are open to any school in IRWD’s service area.

IRWD also teams with Sea & Sage Audubon Society to offer educational programs, tours and classes. These include summer day camps, a hands-on science program, birdwatching, bat-watching, and so much more.

Water bear? It’s an eight-legged creature, also called a tardigrade—one of many microorganisms that break down solids in sewer water as an organic part of water recycling. And for those still wondering: sunlight and gravity drive the water cycle, causing water to evaporate, form clouds and fall as precipitation. This process cleans and distributes life-giving water to the planet.

IRWD believes education is an important part of promoting public awareness and appreciation for the wonder of water. Check out these and other programs—and happy learning!

Learn More

• For information about Discovery Cube programs offered through IRWD, visit discoverycube.org or have your child’s school contact 714-263-3844 to set up an assembly or field trip.
• Visit seaandsageaudubon.org for information. Better yet, stop by the Audubon House, open daily at IRWD’s San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary.