Splash Biography

Clean water is something most of us take for granted. But how is it actually made safe to drink? In this hands-on class, you’ll step into the role of an environmental engineer and design your own mini water filter using sand, gravel, and charcoal. We’ll test how well different materials remove “pollutants” from muddy water and talk about how real-world engineers use similar designs to solve water quality challenges around the world. By the end of class, you’ll understand how filtration works and why clean water is one of the biggest global engineering challenges of our time.

Have you ever wondered why people make the decisions they do about the environment? Why do some prioritize economic growth while others fight to protect nature? In this class, we’ll explore the key concepts of environmental philosophy and see how they shape real-world dilemmas—from plastic bans to oil drilling and urban development. By applying philosophical perspectives, we’ll uncover how these choices impact the world—and how they can guide us moving forward. What will YOU choose?

This course explores simple yet impactful environmental initiatives that students can implement in their homes and communities. It will delve into how our everyday choices contribute to the planet's health, both short and long-term. Additionally, students will gain a foundational understanding of greenhouse gas effects and their role in climate change, setting the stage for more advanced environmental topics.