Adopt-a-Drain K-12
Citizen science and service learning program for educators
Adopt-a-Drain K-12 supports the Adopt-a-Drain program which asks residents to adopt a storm drain in their neighborhood and keep it clear of leaves, trash, and debris to reduce water pollution. We help K-12 educators flexibly integrate this program into their own curriculum, school, and community. Sign up to receive teacher training, newsletter support, access to online K-12 learning resources, printed classroom materials, and cool swag and incentives for both you and your students!
Teach students to protect local waterways
Keep these pollutants out of streets and storm drains
Leaves, grass, and dirt contain phosphorus, which feeds the algae that turn lakes green. Keep them off streets and sidewalks.
Salt is harmful to waterways and aquatic life. Just one teaspoon pollutes five gallons of water forever. Sweep up leftover salt and reuse it.
Trash clogs drains and pipes, causing flooding. Put it in the garbage.
Dog poop carries harmful bacteria and phosphorus. Pick up after your pet!
Sweep up! Rake up! Pick up!
Community action in schools
Adopt-a-Drain online. Individuals, community groups, and schools can sign up to adopt a storm drain at adopt-a-drain.org.
Keep the storm drain clear. Use a broom or rake to sweep leaves, trash, and other debris off the drain surface as often as you are able.
Collect data. Enter the amount of debris you collect into your online account so we can track results.
Lead by example. Keep an eye on your drain and tell others how they can help prevent water pollution too.
Teacher support
Teacher training and support
We offer a variety of tools and ongoing support to K-12 teachers, including:
Bi-weekly e-newsletter with Adopt-a-Drain updates, inspiration, and teacher tips throughout the year
Online training
Access to Adopt-a-Drain program experts for content, planning, and classroom management advice
Priority invitations to Professional Development Rivers Institutes
Priority invitations to Waters to the Sea webinars
Student online resources
Teachers will have unlimited access to Adopt-a-Drain and other online K-12 learning resources to improve understanding of water, pollutants, and protecting local waterways.
These interactive modules can be used by teachers and students for in-person, hybrid, or distance learning courses and serve a wide range of learning styles.
Classroom materials
Teacher kit
Filled with the following materials to inspire enthusiasm.
1 each of the following:
Teacher Guide
Poster
Water Bottle
Drawstring Bag
Baseball Cap
Gloves for storm drain cleaning
Bucket, 5-gallon (optional)
Teachers: use this kit for clean up events or share with a colleague, student, or family to spread the Adopt-a-Drain message throughout the community.
Classroom consumables
Designed to share with students and families.
30 each of following:
Data Collection Cards
Sign Up & Safety Tip Cards
Pencils
Stickers
Temporary tattoos
Optional
Translation Handout (Handouts translated for Somali, Hmong, and Spanish languages are available on request.)
Poster
Teachers can hang a poster in their school or classroom to inspire students to protect local waterways.
Water Bottle
Teachers can stay hydrated and celebrate their contribution to cleaner waterways by drinking from this Adopt-a-Drain water bottle.
Baseball Cap
Teachers can wear this Adopt-a-Drain baseball cap while cleaning storm drains.
Drawstring Bag
Teachers can carry materials in this Adopt-a-Drain bag while cleaning storm drains.
Adopt-a-Drain Bucket
By request, Minnesota teachers can receive an optional 5-gallon bucket to use for storm drain clean up.
Teacher Guide
Everything you need to know about adopting drains with students.
8.5" x 5.5" Bifold
Click for larger view
Bifold (inside)
Click for larger view
Sign Up and Safety Tips Cards
Students can share sign up instructions and safety tips with families and encourage them to adopt drains at home.
Data Collection Cards
Students can collect citizen science data as they clear debris from storm drains and neighborhoods. They can then record their data online!
Pencils
Students can use these nifty Adopt-a-Drain pencils to fill out Data Collection Cards.
Stickers
Students can celebrate their contribution to cleaner lakes, creeks, and rivers by displaying this Adopt-a-Drain sticker on personal water bottles.
Tattoos
Students can show off their commitment to protecting water by wearing these temporary tattoos after storm drain clean up.
2” x 3” temporary tattoos
Translation Handout (Optional)
Students can share sign up instructions with families in Somali, Hmong, and Spanish and encourage them to adopt drains at home.
Sign up!
Watersheds, cities, and other entities are supporting teachers in this effort. Follow the steps below to sign up and learn about program costs or funding when your school is in a sponsored area.
Step 1: Check this map to see if your school is in an area that is already funded. If so, sign up below to have materials delivered at no cost to you.
Step 2: If your school is not in a funded area, email k12@adopt-a-drain.org to inquire about purchasing support materials.
Our program sponsors
