Kansans Live WELL: Professional Educator Short Course

Course Overview

Kansans Live WELL is an immersive three-day professional development workshop for K-12 STEM and agriculture educators hosted by the Kansas Geological Survey and funded by the Aquifer Water Quality Assessment for Kansas (AWQUA) program. The workshop is designed to deepen educators’ understanding of water quantity and quality in Kansas through hands-on learning, field experiences, and direct interaction with scientists, policymakers, and water professionals. 

Throughout the workshop, participants will explore the interconnected systems that provide, protect, and sustain Kansas water resources. Topics include surface water and Kansas waterways, groundwater and aquifers, water quality challenges, and the role of science in water management and policy. Participants also will be introduced to the DRINK Water App Program and classroom resources that support place-based environmental education. 

The workshop combines current scientific research with practical classroom applications, giving educators opportunities to learn alongside experts while experiencing activities they can adapt for their students. By the end of the program, participants will leave with a deeper understanding of Kansas water resources, lesson plans and activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards, and a network of colleagues committed to water education. 

All participant expenses—including lodging, meals, and mileage reimbursement—are covered through the AWQUA program. Participants also earn professional development points upon successful completion of the workshop. 

Who Should Apply

Kansans Live WELL is open to K-12 STEM and agriculture educators who are interested in bringing meaningful, place-based water education into their classrooms. Whether participants teach earth science, environmental science, agriculture, biology, or an interdisciplinary STEM curriculum, this workshop provides practical tools and experiences that can be adapted for students across grade levels. 

Educators from across Kansas are encouraged to apply. Because enrollment is limited to 10 participants, applications will be reviewed to create a diverse cohort representing a variety of grade levels, subject areas, and geographic regions. 

What to Expect

Kansans Live WELL blends professional development with immersive, hands-on experiences that bring Kansas water science to life. Participants will alternate between lectures, collaborative discussions, interactive activities, and field experiences designed to connect scientific concepts with real-world water issues. 

Throughout the three-day workshop, educators will work alongside leading experts in hydrogeology, water quality, natural resource management, and public policy while exploring how these topics impact communities across Kansas. Participants should expect to spend time both indoors and in the field. 

Professional Development

More information incoming: we are still building this section.

Participants who successfully complete Kansans Live WELL will receive professional development points recognizing their participation in the workshop. 

In addition to expanding their knowledge of Kansas water resources, educators will leave with classroom-ready instructional materials aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards and practical resources they can immediately implement with their students. 

Kansans Live WELL is hosted by the Kansas Geological Survey and made possible through funding from the AWQUA program.