Experience Weeks

During Science in the City Week, teachers explored the hidden science within the public utilities of San Francisco through hands-on experiences in ecology, sustainability, archaeology, and more. Highlights included tours of wastewater and water treatment facilities, a watershed walk in the Presidio, studies of geology and green infrastructure at Lake Merced, solar power exploration at the Solar Array, and climate science at Treasure Island. The week concluded with a visit to the biodigester and collaborative lesson planning at the South East Community Center, equipping educators with new insights and resources to bring back to their classrooms.

During East Bay Sustainability Week, teachers explored sustainable infrastructure and water stewardship through immersive site visits across the Bay Area. Highlights included a boat tour of the San Pablo Reservoir, greenhouse tours at the USDA, and a visit to East Bay Municipal Water District’s Water Treatment Plant, where educators gained a deeper understanding of environmental challenges and innovative solutions. The week also included visits to the Tech Interactive Museum, the Center for Smart Infrastructure, and Central San, and concluded with collaborative lesson planning to bring sustainability and climate change education back into classrooms.

During South Bay Sustainability Week, educators explored sustainability through hands-on experiences and site visits focused on water conservation, renewable energy, and sustainable materials. At Valley Water, they toured the Silicon Valley Advanced Water Purification Center, learning how microfiltration, reverse osmosis, and UV disinfection transform wastewater into clean water. Additional highlights included visits to Agilent, FabMo, RAFT, Windfall Bio, Vulcan Materials, and Lucid Motors, where teachers gained insights into cutting-edge solutions to today’s environmental challenges. The week wrapped up with discussions on environmental justice, career pathways in water management, and collaborative lesson planning, equipping educators with strategies to bring sustainability and climate change education into their classrooms.

During Semiconductor Secrets Week, educators explored cutting-edge technology and career pathways in Silicon Valley while deepening their understanding of how computer science, language, and technology connect. Highlights included tours and demos at Samsung and Nextflex, AR and semiconductor activities at Applied Materials, insights from Stanford researchers, and visits to Nokia, the Intel Museum, and the SEMI Foundation—where hands-on projects, career talks, and lesson planning helped bridge industry expertise with classroom learning. Thanks to our partners at Ohlone College for supporting us with funding from the National Science Foundation to do this work!

During SoCal Water Week, educators explored the many facets of water management and infrastructure through hands-on site visits and expert talks. The week began at EMWD’s headquarters in Perris with an introduction to water operations and a tour of the water quality lab, followed by visits to desalination and filtration facilities. Teachers also toured the San Jacinto Water Reclamation plant, explored EMWD’s Education Center and wetlands, and joined a pontoon boat tour of Diamond Valley Reservoir. Along the way, career panelists shared pathways in water management and sustainability. The week concluded with collaborative lesson planning, giving teachers new tools to integrate water stewardship and climate resilience into their classrooms.