Experience Weeks

During Science in the City Week, teachers engaged in diverse and hands-on learning experiences across several key locations in San Francisco. Teachers took part in an art tour at the SE Community Center, explored advancements in wastewater treatment, and went on a water treatment plant construction tour. They also embarked on a watershed walking tour in the Presidio, investigated geology and green infrastructure at Lake Merced, and learned about urban planning and climate science at Treasure Island. Teachers ended their week with a visit to the College Hill Learning Garden, where they delved into solar power and shared lesson ideas – leaving them equipped with fresh lessons to implement in the school year.

During Water Week, our teachers explored various water management and conservation sites across the Bay Area in both the South Bay and East Bay, gaining insights into different aspects of water treatment and environmental sustainability. At the Oakland AMC Adeline Maintenance Center, they participated in a tour and learned about water infrastructure maintenance. They experienced an outdoor boat tour of the San Pablo Reservoir, visited Valley Water Headquarters in San Jose to explore percolation ponds and fish ladders, and toured the Silicon Valley Advanced Water Purification Center. Additionally, they engaged in lesson planning, and learned about climate change mitigation strategies at the Alviso Marsh and Wildlife Refuge. The week concluded with discussions on environmental justice and career pathways in water management, leaving the teachers with valuable knowledge to bring back to their classrooms.

During Sustainability Week, our teachers engaged in a series of immersive activities focused on sustainability practices and innovations across the Bay Area. The week kicked off with a tour of the Ecocultural Garden at CSU East Bay, where they explored monarch conservation and indigenous agricultural practices, followed by sessions on energy efficiency and sustainability in Contra Costa County. At Samsung’s San Jose campus, they learned about sustainability initiatives and toured the facility. The Cypress Mandela Training Center in Oakland, and the Alameda Co. IBEW Local 595’s JATC Net Zero Training Center in San Leandro provided insights into workforce development and sustainable construction, while the week concluded at the Innovative Genomics Institute in Berkeley with discussions on genome editing and its environmental implications. Throughout the week, teachers also participated in lesson planning sessions, sharing ideas on how to integrate sustainability topics into their curricula.

During Semiconductor Week, we explored cutting-edge technology and semiconductor career pathways in Silicon Valley. The week kicked off with tours and demos at Stanford University and Western Digital, where we gained insights into nano facilities and wafer manufacturing. We then delved into hands-on curriculum and activities at KCI, and apprenticeship pathways at Foothill College. We also explored Mission College’s mechatronics program, and toured EMD’s chip manufacturing facility. The week wrapped up with visits to Applied Materials, Samsung, and SEMI Foundation, where we engaged in panel discussions, hands-on activities, and lesson planning – blending industry knowledge with educational applications.

During SoCal Water Week, funded by EMWD, we explored various aspects of water management and infrastructure. We began at the EMWD Headquarters in Perris, where we had an introduction to water operations and toured the water quality lab. The week included visits to water treatment facilities, including filtration and potable reuse sites, as well as a pontoon tour of Diamond Valley Reservoir! We wrapped up the week with lesson planning and presentations, integrating what we learned into educational activities.