SCIENCE | TECHNOLOGY | ENGINEERING | MATH
Beneath the Surface: A Teacher’s Guide to Groundwater
Empower your students to protect Central Oregon’s most vital resource.
Join the High Desert Museum for a two-year collaborative professional development journey with a partner teacher geared toward upper elementary and middle school educators. Dive into geology, hydrology, and ecology alongside expert scientists, and bring hands-on community science back to your classroom.
Why Participate?
We value your time and expertise. This program is designed to be fully supported, from funding to field trips. Teachers must apply in pairs from the same grade level and school. Each teacher is required to submit their own application.
Financial Stipends: Earn up to $1,000 in total stipends over the course of the program.
Fully Funded Field Trips: We cover the cost of buses and substitutes for your students.
Expert Access: Learn directly from water managers, hydrologists, and ecological experts.
Classroom Ready: Receive a dedicated supply budget to bring your groundwater lesson plans to life.
As our climate warms, groundwater availability for drinking, agriculture, and wildlife is becoming a critical concern—especially here in Central Oregon. This project prepares the next generation to understand and manage this invisible but essential resource.
The Roadmap: 2026-2027
Curriculum and field sessions are tailored specifically for the learning standards of 4th- through 8th-grade classrooms.
Year 1: Deep Dive
3-Day Intensive Workshop: Explore the geology and hydrology of the High Desert through classroom and field sessions.
Collaborative Planning: Work with peers to design a custom groundwater activity for your students.
Stipend: $600 + Lunches
Year 1: Workshop Logistics
When: August 3–5, 2026 | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (coffee & check-in at 8:30 am)
Where: High Desert Museum & Field Sites
Commitment: This is a 3-day collaborative workshop. Participants must be able to attend all three days.
Year 2: Into the Field
1-Day Refresher: Reconnect with your cohort to finalize your curriculum.
Student Field Trips: Museum staff join you at a site near your school to lead your 4th-8th grade students in your activity.
Stipend: $200 + $200 for lesson completion
Space is limited, and we may not have room for everyone who applies. To participate, please apply in pairs with a colleague from your same grade level and school. Note that each teacher must submit an individual application to be considered. We may be able to pair up teachers.
For questions, reach out to Sara Pelleteri at spelleteri@highdesertmuseum.org or 541-382-4754 x306.
Program Supported By:
