A few years ago, the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District learned that grades K-2 in its region were underserved in wastewater science and engineering education.
In response, staff members at the district (commonly called Central San) created a program that included Piper the Crew Leader, Kelvin the Chemist and Toot the Toilet. It addressed the shortfall and, in the bargain, earned a national award.
California is moving toward all schools complying with Next Generation Science Standards, which require educators to teach all ages with a learn-by-doing science and engineering approach.
“A lot of the educators didn’t have ideas on how to serve such young
