Laying the Groundwork: Groundwater Teacher Project
Teacher Workshop – Applications open through March 31
Groundwater is one of our most important natural resources. However, as our climate warms, availability of groundwater for drinking, farming and supporting wildlife is becoming a major concern. That is especially true for Central Oregon.
Join us for a two-year educator project centered on Central Oregon groundwater and how human and environmental changes are affecting the supply. Read on for more information.
Key information
Workshop dates: August 4-8, 2025
Workshop times: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Time commitment: 5-day workshop plus a 2-year project
We are recruiting teacher pairs for a 2-year project centered on Central Oregon groundwater and how human and environmental changes are affecting the supply. This project will start with a 5-day workshop for teachers that will take place in early August 2025.
The first three days will focus on place-based learning at the High Desert Museum and in the field at sites across Central Oregon. Teachers will be guided by scientists and experts on geology, hydrology, and water usage in the region, looking specifically at how changing climate and demand impacts and creates conflict among users.
The final two days will be spent at the Museum where teachers with staff support will work in teams to plan for classroom implementation. Teachers will also begin to develop (with their partner teacher) an interdisciplinary unit on groundwater to be implemented with their students in the final year of the project (2026-27 school year).
Throughout the two years, teachers will be supported by Museum staff and workshop scientists.
What you will do in the workshop
— 3 days at the Museum and in the field with High Desert Museum staff, scientists and experts
— 2 days at the Museum working within a team to plan your field experience and begin working on a interdisciplinary unit on groundwater
What you will do with your students
2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
Museum staff-supported MWEE (Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences) field experience to a field site chosen by you, relevant to your watershed and/or groundwater lesson (bus costs covered by Museum).
2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR
Museum staff-supported MWEE to a field site chosen by you, relevant to groundwater lesson (bus costs covered by Museum) AND implement your interdisciplinary lesson about some aspect of your watershed and/or groundwater developed by your team.
How to apply
Please sign up using the form at the bottom of this page if you are interested in applying for this project. While all teachers can sign up, we hope to prioritize educators who currently teach at rural schools. We expect to have more applicants than available spots. Apply by March 31, and you will be notified by April 11 whether or not you have been selected.
For more information, contact Sara Pelleteri at spelleteri@highdesertmuseum.org or 541-382-4754 x306
Why Two Years?
This workshop is a 2-year commitment with the goal of incorporating field experiences and scientific exploration into classroom curriculum. Teachers will be guided throughout the process — from the 5-day workshop in August to the closing year of the program.
Two years allows the teachers and Museum staff to fully explore curriculum development while building on the lessons of geology, hydrology and water usage.
Why Teacher Pairs?
Two is better than one! This project is unique in that the Museum is recruiting a teacher pairs. A group of two will be better able to support one another during the two years of study and learning while also discussing options, goals and curriculums.
A teacher pair (with the help of Museum staff and scientists) will also aid one another in the implementation of multi-disciplinary lessons.
This project is primarily aimed at middle school science, history, social studies or math teachers. However, teachers supporting other grades or subjects may be considered on a space-available basis. We will be prioritizing teachers in rural areas of Central Oregon. We encourage teacher pairs from the same school to sign up, but we may be able to match teachers from different schools and grade levels, if necessary.
Teachers will receive a $1,700 stipend for their participation in the entire project as well as funding for classroom supplies and transportation for their class for field experiences. During the workshop, lunch, snacks and beverages will be provided each day.