For more than 25 years, Sacramento Splash has inspired students to care for our natural world. Since 2009, one program in particular has been making waves in classrooms across the region. Thanks to funding from the Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership and the City of Sacramento Department of Utilities, Splash launched “Splash in the Class,” a hands-on classroom presentation for grades 3–6 that brings science, water quality, and pollution prevention directly to students.
When a Splash presenter arrives, the classroom transforms. Students discover that local streams and rivers are teeming with life and that these ecosystems depend on clean water. They explore the adaptations of aquatic creatures, see how pollution impacts the food web, and even participate in a fun experiment that demonstrates simple, practical ways they can protect water quality in their own neighborhoods. By the end, the message is clear: students themselves can be the solution to stormwater pollution.
In 2015, the program expanded with funding from El Dorado County’s Stormwater Management Program, reaching students on the west slope of El Dorado County. Support from the City of Elk Grove also brought additional opportunities to local schools.
The impact has been remarkable. Each year, Splash’s dedicated environmental educators deliver at least 219 Splash in the Class presentations. Since its launch, the program has reached over 2,900 classrooms and more than 85,000 students. The demand is so high that requests now exceed our capacity, resulting in a waitlist of eager teachers who receive first priority for scheduling the following school year.
We are incredibly grateful to our skilled presenters who bring this program to life, and to the loyal teachers who welcome Splash back year after year. Here’s what a few of them had to say:
- “Splash in the Class is a great way to talk about science with the experts! They delivered the content with enthusiasm and skill. My students fed off the presenter’s excitement and were drawn into the subject matter. In the end, the students left the classroom discussing the things they learned and the questions they were pondering! That’s a success in my book!” Jill Lawless, 5th grade, Lake Forest Elementary
- “Wonderful job! The Splash presentation is an engaging program that builds kids’ natural curiosity and interest in our aquatic ecosystems. It teaches responsible stewardship, and it’s just plain fun. My kids loved it!” Rachelle Gray, 5th grade, Matsuyama Elementary
- “Very fun and engaging! The positive attitude and discussion questions made it great! This free presentation engaged my students, taught them valuable lessons, and helped me meet science standards!” Douglas Anderson, 6th grade, Mary Tsukamoto Elementary
- “My students had so much fun!! Everything was so easy and smooth! Our presenter was fantastic! Splash will inspire your students to be scientists and conscientious citizens! We really appreciate being able to participate!” Kathryn Casazza, 5th grade, Natomas Park Elementary
- “This presentation tied in beautifully with our unit on animal adaptations, and students were introduced to fascinating organisms within our own community streams.” Katie Edwards, 4th grade, Oak Hill Elementary
- “Splash in the Class is a wonderful engagement tool, as students learn fascinating things about the environment whilst actively participating in education that applies to their everyday lives.” Joanna Jones, 6th grade, Hagginwood Elementary
For over 16 years, Splash in the Class has proven that when you bring science to life, students leave not only with knowledge but also with excitement and a sense of responsibility for their environment.