Fairmount Water Works created the Understanding the Urban Watershed Curriculum Project for elementary, middle and high school . In its entirety it is designed as place-based, hands-on and minds-in learning about water systems. Students grow their understanding of the interconnected relationship of humans, the natural and the built environment in the local context of Philadelphia. Just like water, a drop, or trickle can become a flowing stream, joining other flowing bodies of water, gaining momentum for oceans of learning!
NEW Spring 2026!!
Two options for middle grades 6-8 are now available :
Option A (left) — a 14-day sequence of 45-minute lessons focused on two topics — Water in Our World (Unit 1) and Drinking Water and You (Unit 2)
Option B (right) the original series of 6 Units focused on Water in Our World, Philadelphia’s drinking, wastewater and stormwater system past, present and future, and how to plan for environmental action
(New!) Middle Grades Units 1 and 2
This 14-day series has two Units– Unit 1: Water in Our World and Unit 2: Drinking Water and You. These were modified from the original Units 1 and 2 of Understanding the Urban Watershed Curriculum. As with the original, they are engaging and hands-on explorations of these topics in a local and authentic context
(Original) Middle Grades Units 1-6
This series of 6 extensive units was part of the original development of the curriculum, designed, tested and implemented with classroom teachers to explore the development of the city’s drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems as well as ways to act