Unique field trip opportunities are available for teachers and students within Metropolitan’s Southern California service area. The field trips correlate to various California Content Standards, including Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards; they are offered at no cost.
Grades 5 – College
In partnership with Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, Water Journeys begins with a presentation on water awareness, aqueducts, conservation, and recycling followed by a walking tour of Pure Water Southern California, an advanced recycled water facility, located in Carson. The field trip continues with a same-day visit to the Bixby Marshland, a 17-acre wetlands located across the street. Students will learn about native wildlife and how the Native Americans used these natural resources in their everyday lives. Students will also conduct water quality experiments. This all-day field trip accommodates one standard-size classroom of students. Limited funds are available to provide transportation.
Grades 4-8
This field trip travels to Diamond Valley Lake (DVL), the largest reservoir in Southern California, located in Riverside County near Hemet. Students experience a variety of standards-based, water-related presentations and hands-on science activities in this two-part field trip. Part one is a 60 minute online or classroom presentation about Metropolitan Water District (MWD), DVL history, water sources, and conservation. Part two is an outdoors “in-person” visit to DVL’s Viewpoint and Marina where students experience an augmented reality activity. Part two is scheduled on Wednesdays and Thursdays only. These field trips are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, as space is limited.
Adults only – Teachers and Administrators
This educational tour of the Colorado River Aqueduct system is designed for teachers and administrators and provides a close up view of Metropolitan’s complex water delivery system. This annual three-day tour is free and offered on first-come, first-served basis with preference to teachers who are currently using Metropolitan education materials.
Currently not available.
Learning from books AND learning from people standing in front of you make for a deeper understanding and create connections for questions yet asked
Follow the journey of water to Southern California with two virtual reality opportunities. You can follow the water as it moves along the Colorado River Aqueduct or the State Water Project. The tours are available as a virtual reality app for Apple and Android mobile devices. A headset is required for optimal viewing. You may also watch the tour as a 360-degree video with or without a headset. Each video has a worksheet to enrich the viewing.
Colorado River Aqueduct Links
Colorado River Aqueduct Apple app and Android app.
Colorado River Aqueduct 360-degree Video in English and Spanish.
Colorado River Aqueduct Student worksheet.
State Water Project Links
State Water Project Apple app and Android app.
State Water Project 360-degree Video in English, Spanish and Mandarin.
State Water Project Student Worksheet.
Grades 4 – College
In partnership with Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts, Virtual Water Journeys, an online field trip for Grades 4 – College, includes a virtual flythrough of the Colorado River Aqueduct and a virtual tour of Pure Water Southern California, an advanced water recycling facility, located in Carson. Topics include: Mediterranean climate zone, precipitation vs. population, water sources, conservation, drought, paleoclimatology, climate change, recycling, the water cycle, and water industry careers.
Grades 3 – College
A virtual presentation (45-60 minutes) about Metropolitan Water District’s service area, drinking water sources, drought, water conservation and the history of Diamond Valley Lake including the discovery of Ice Age fossils during its construction.
