Program Overview

Water Education Programs

The Education & Outreach department within the Center for Applied Earth Science and Engineering Research (CAESER) at the University of Memphis hosts a number of field trip options, classroom activities, presentations, and more. The goal is to create knowledge of water resources by providing problem-based learning and hands-on activities. Program offerings also bring awareness to CAESER's research initiatives and help students to identify and investigate career options.

WOW 4th Grade School Visits

Water on Wheels (WOW) is the cornerstone education program at CAESER. Instead of taking an off-site field trip, the WOW is a mobile water science museum that comes straight to the school at a fraction of the cost and time. The exhibits are colorful and interactive, designed to enlighten and motivate visitors. Students learn about the water cycle, conservation, watersheds, drinking water supply, water use around the world, stormwater systems, and more.

The WOW visits fourth-grade students during the school day. The WOW is parked outside of the school, and each classroom spends approximately one hour with the WOW and CAESER educators, rotating throughout the day. The maximum number of classrooms per day is six. If there are more than six classes, the school will require an additional day.

Program Details

• The program covers various academic standards related to water education.
• There is a flat fee of $100 per day for a WOW visit, along with a travel fee.
  • Within the local county, there is a flat $10 gasoline fee, bringing the WOW program total to $110 per day.
  • Outside of the local county, the travel fee is calculated at 47 cents per mile (subject to change) to and from the University of Memphis campus.

WOW for Camps, Festivals, and Other Organizations

The WOW is available to attend festivals, spring and fall break camps, and community events. A minimum of a week's notice is needed to request the WOW, but more notice is preferred to help with staffing needs.

Classroom Visits

Not a fourth-grade classroom? CAESER has educational offerings for other grade levels.

• Aquifer in a Cup or Edible Aquifer is a major favorite and can be requested at the school, costing $30 for 30 students, and takes approximately an hour per group.
• CAESER educators are well-equipped to lead stations and other classroom activities relating to water.