Drinking WQW Resources
Jump to: Outline | Agenda | Item Table | Script | PowerPoint | Activity Sheet
?? Drinking Water Quality Workshop (WQW)
Grades: 6–12 | Duration: 60–75 minutes | Format: Hands-on + Instructor-led
Looking for a ready-to-go science workshop that brings environmental science and chemistry into the classroom? The Drinking Water Quality Workshop (WQW) guides students through real-world water testing using colorimetric test strips, a live water purification demo, and critical reflection questions about safe drinking water.
What’s included:
? Instructor script + slide presentation
? Printable student worksheets
? Clear learning objectives
? Easy materials list
? Aligned with NGSS science practices
? CCR (Consumer Confidence Report) activity for local water connection
Students will:
?? Test contaminated and treated water
?? Explore key water quality parameters (chlorine, pH, nitrates, hardness)
?? Learn about water access, contamination, and purification
?? Reflect on water justice and their own communities
Developed by the California Institute for Water Resources (CIWR) and UC Merced’s FEWS-US Lab, this workshop is designed to support inquiry-based learning, environmental literacy, and community engagement. It integrates Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and empowers students to make real-world connections between water quality, public health, and local infrastructure.
The full resource package includes a detailed instructor script, animated PowerPoint slides, and student-facing worksheets that guide data collection, observation, and analysis. Whether implemented in a classroom, after-school program, or outreach setting, WQW offers a flexible, standards-aligned toolkit for educators bringing water science to life.
Resource Library
?? Outline
Brief overview of the workshop flow
This outline provides a high-level view of the Drinking WQW workshop, including its learning objectives, intended audience, and estimated timing. It’s a great starting point for teachers and facilitators to understand what the workshop covers and how it's structured.
?? Item Table
List of materials needed for experiments
This resource provides a complete materials checklist for running the Drinking WQW workshop, including test strips, purification packets, containers, and more. It’s ideal for planning and budgeting, whether you’re ordering supplies for a classroom or organizing a community event.
Note: The PDF includes clickable links that take you directly to recommended items for purchase. You can interact with the file to easily explore sources and pricing.
?? Activity Worksheet
Student sheet for recording results
This worksheet guides students through each stage of the Drinking WQW experiment—from making predictions to testing contaminated and treated water samples. Students use real test strips to record values for pH, chlorine, hardness, nitrates/nitrites, and TDS, then reflect on what changed and why. It also includes visual guides to help match test strip colors and a final peer comparison section.
??? Detailed Agenda
Minute-by-minute breakdown of the workshop
This agenda outlines the full 75-minute Drinking WQW session in a clear, time-stamped format—from setup and introduction to testing, discussion, and cleanup. It includes segment titles, pacing guidance, and a summary of what each activity entails, making it easy to stay on track and prepare ahead.
Great for instructors who like having a structured timeline or need to coordinate with other educators or event staff.
?? PowerPoint
Presentation slides to use in class
This slide deck is designed to guide the full Drinking WQW experience, from the introduction and water science concepts to live demonstrations and discussion prompts. It includes vibrant visuals, click-through animations, and built-in pacing cues for smooth instruction.
Note: To preserve animations and interactive elements, please download and open the file in Microsoft PowerPoint. Viewing it as a PDF will not reflect the intended flow.
?? Script
Full workshop guide for teachers
This detailed script walks instructors through every part of the Drinking WQW workshop—from welcoming students and setting up materials to guiding each experiment and leading the final discussion. It includes notes for timing, slide clicks, engagement tips, and optional improvisation moments to adapt to different classroom settings.
Perfect for both first-time facilitators and experienced educators looking for a structured, easy-to-follow guide.
?? Want to Go Deeper? Explore Our Drinking Water Factsheets
Whether you just finished the Drinking Water Quality Workshop (WQW) or are simply curious about what’s in your tap water, these factsheets are a great way to learn more.
- ?? Short, bilingual factsheets (English & Español)
- ?? Topics include water testing, safety, contaminants, and microplastics
- ?? Designed for students, teachers, and community members alike
- ?? Many include links to official state and EPA resources
Each factsheet is easy to read and packed with practical information — great for classroom extension, family discussion, or community outreach.