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Waterworks: an innovative attempt at promoting careers in environmental engineering
Jahan, Kauser Tang, Ying LeCakes, George
Jahan, Kauser
Tang, Ying
LeCakes, George
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EESD2025_#07_Jahan.pdf
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Authors
Editors
Date
2025
Educational Level
Curriculum Area
Geographical Setting
USA
Abstract
Water and wastewater utilities are facing acute workforce shortages due to retirements and inability to attract the next generation in the USA. The lack of a diverse workforce in these utilities is also worrisome. As such, there is a dire need to provide innovative opportunities to excite the next generation regarding careers in our water/wastewater utilities. Our USEPA project WaterWorks aims at exposing STEM and other careers in the water/wastewater utilities through innovative sustainable learning modules for students and educators. Sustainable practices in all walks of life are much needed to ensure that we are protective of the environment and planet earth. As such our WaterWorks project aims at embedding sustainability in the curriculum through exciting modules that attract future generations. These include both traditional hands- on activities and contemporary virtual environment learning. WaterWorks, consists of four contemporary core K-12 educational modules titled WaterMobile, WaterTalk, WaterPal and WaterCave. All four components are designed to showcase the diverse needs of the water/wastewater industry and sustainable practices. WaterMOBILE provides an experience for students to receive hands-on experiences about the engineering and science behind water utilities via interaction with a 4-wheeled bin that is easily steered into classrooms. WaterPAL is an innovative mobile app that provides educators with access to learning modules and students with access to a game in which they can virtually live through a day in a water worker's shoes. WaterTALK consists of activities that integrate remote sensing technology and teach the core principles of data collection and analytics. Finally, WaterCAVE immerses students in a virtual reality experience in which they can walk through simulated water utilities and learn how they are endangered by extreme weather events, such as storms and floods, that are predicted to be exacerbated by the looming climate crisis. Collectively, WaterWorks provides K-12 students and educators structured educational programming that increases awareness and knowledge of opportunities in the water and wastewater utilities sectors. The program has been a huge success as evidenced by student/educator feedback.
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Keywords (free text)
water/wastewater engineering, workforce development, k-12 outreach, engineering education, engineering for sustainable development, education for sustainabilty, sustainability in engineering