Field Trips: Natural Resources and the Environment

Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center
The Geysers power plant, located in Middletown, is the largest geothermal facility in the world. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits at the Center and enjoy a free bus tour of the power plant. Tours are just over an hour long and offer a first-hand look at how geothermal steam is used to create energy. The tour is recommended for students in grades 4 and up; exhibits are of interest to a variety of grade levels and are specifically correlated to 5th and 6th grade science standards dealing with energy alternatives. A group picnic area is available at the site. Note: All visitors wear hard hats and safety glasses on the tour. For security purposes, no backpacks are allowed at the Center.

Sonoma County Water Agency: Education
The Water Education Program is designed to help educators teach students the value of water as an important natural resource and to promote water conservation and stewardship of our watershed. Classroom presentations, field study trips, K-12 curriculum guides, student incentives, and other materials are available to Sonoma County teachers through the Sonoma County Water Agency and local water providers. A comprehensive catalog identifies the extensive educational opportunities and resources available to teachers. Field study opportunities are also identified by grade level. Students in grades 1 and 2 can visit the Environmental Discovery Center at Spring Lake. Fourth grade classes can visit a watershed. Fifth graders travel to the source of our local water, the Russian River, to explore and take water samples. Sixth graders visit the water treatment plant and restored wetlands. Curriculum guides are available at every grade level and the Hydro Herald newsletter has water education news for teachers. Teachers can order class sets of pencils, rulers, erasers, stickers, and other incentives that carry water conservation messages. Teachers can also request posters, California water maps, and an educational CD featuring local watershed activities. A lending library provides access to groundwater models, software, videos, and other instructional materials.

Waste Management: Educational Resources
Waste Management offers K-12 educational programs that address recycling, composting, and waste management issues via its website.