Inside the Splash Center

Inside the Splash Center

When students enter the Splash Education Center, they enter a world of fun, hands-on science investigation that builds on the knowledge they’ve acquired in the classroom through the curriculum materials and activities. After a brief introduction, the students split into three groups. Each group follows its guide through the three learning stations in the Center.

Microscope Station

At the microscope station, the students get to see things that few kids (or adults for that matter) ever get a chance to see! They peer through microscopes and identify live specimens of aquatic invertebrates that inhabit the vernal pools at Mather.

Watershed Model

The Splash Elementary Curriculum contains strong messages about protecting water quality throughout our watersheds. The concept of a watershed can be difficult to grasp. We’ve found the best way to help students understand it is to experiment with a model of an urban area with streams flowing through it.

Critterville

Critterville is frequently the highlight of a student's time inside the Center. The students get “up close and personal” with live animals that are commonly found in and around the vernal pools at Mather.

Sacramento Splash - Helping children understand and value their natural world picture
VICTORY - Splash Lives!

Thanks to an outpouring of community support, the Board of the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District (SRCSD) voted UNANIMOUSLY to continue funding the Splash program.

Click here to find out more.
Open this link in a new window
Sacramento Splash - Helping children understand and value their natural world picture
Did you know there are tigers in vernal pools?

This is an Aquatic Beetle larva, more commonly known as a "Water Tiger." It's pincers are like hypodermic needles and it uses them to suck the fluid out of its prey. Yummy!

Learn more about Water Tigers!