Inspiring the Next Water Stewards:
Inside the W.A.T.E.R. Program
Cleaner Water Together
How does a plastic table, a few sprinkles, and a spray bottle reveal secrets about the world around us? H2Ozarks’ Watershed Aid To Educators Resource (W.A.T.E.R.) Program does just that, helping teachers bring water science to life in the classroom with free resources and thoughtfully designed lesson plans. The program equips educators with tools to teach students about watersheds, nonpoint source pollution, and how everyday actions influence the lakes, creeks, and streams they play in and enjoy.
About the W.A.T.E.R. program
The W.A.T.E.R. programs uses an Enviroscape® 3D Watershed Model—a hands-on demonstration that turns abstract concepts into something students can see and touch. At first glance, kids think the plastic houses, trees, and farm animals are toys. But once their educator begins to spray water over the miniature hills and buildings, tiny rivulets of water flow, collecting specks of “pollution” from roads, lawns, and farms. That’s when connections begin to form.
Bringing the science to life
"Would you want to swim in this lake?” asks H2Ozarks Program Coordinator, Ayla, to a group of elementary students. They watch food coloring and melting sprinkles flow into a once-pristine lake, now a murky brownish-grey.
“No!” They all shout. That's when the real learning starts.
“Put a fence around the farm animals!”
“We have to get rid of all the cars!”
“We need to plant more trees!”
These simple demonstrations spark problem-solving and lead students to propose real, actionable solutions. They begin to recognize how their everyday choices affect places they know—whether it’s Table Rock Lake, the creek near their home, or a favorite fishing spot. As students experiment with ideas on the model, they discover that their actions matter.
Whenever possible, these lessons are paired with time outdoors to reinforce what students have learned. At the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, students observed how excess fertilizer and sediment on their simulated landscape could impact the live fish they caught. Students from West Fork Elementary walked along the White River at Riverside Park and saw how heavy storm flows contribute to erosion. These experiences help students connect classroom learning to the world around them.
The benefits for educators
For teachers, the W.A.T.E.R. program fills a critical need. Many teachers want to provide hands-on experiences but lack the equipment or resources to do so. This program removes that barrier by offering a no-cost, ready-to-use tool that complements existing curriculum and supports Missouri Learning Standards in science and environmental literacy. Teachers can choose to lead the lesson themselves using provided guides, or they can invite an H2Ozarks staff member to facilitate a classroom demonstration.
The big picture — showing students the whole watershed
These experiences plant seeds that can last a lifetime. Today’s students become tomorrow’s homeowners, business owners, farmers, engineers, and community leaders. When they grow up understanding how human actions shape the water they drink, work with, and rely on, they are better equipped to make decisions that protect the natural resources we all depend on.
That’s the heart of the W.A.T.E.R. Program: investing in the next generation of problem-solvers.
This program is made possible with funding from the Table Rock Lake Community Foundation & the Rotary Club of Table Rock Lake. We thank them for their support and commitment to clean water.
Reserve the table!
Teachers in the Southwest Missouri region can reserve the watershed table for up to 10 days at no cost, with delivery and pickup provided by H2Ozarks. If you’re looking to bring meaningful, hands-on water science into your classroom, request the model today.
