Teachers

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Environmental Education allows students to learn about their waterways and through environmental stewardship. The following teaching guides were provided by EarthEcho International. Learn more about EarthEcho International at: https://www.earthecho.org/

MAKE A SPLASH (Grades 4-6)

Going Blue (Grades 7 and Up)

Note: Going Blue has Common Core Standards for Grade 7

MAKE A SPLASH Guide (pdf)Download

Going Blue Guide (pdf)Download

EarthEcho Stormwater Action Guide (pdf)Download

EarthEcho Rain Barrel Guide (pdf)Download

Rain Barrel Guides

Painting Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your barrel

Sand your barrel with sandpaper thoroughly, removing gloss texture of plastic

Step 2: Prime your barrel

Use latex-based primer and paint two coats on the barrel. Be sure to leave dry for 48 hours between coats.

Step 3: Paint your barrel

Have fun! Let dry for at least 2 days.

Step 4: Apply Semi-Gloss

Apply two coats of gloss on the barrel. Be sure to leave dry for 48 hours between coats.

Installation Guide

Step 1: Pick installation location

Site must be leveled to accommodate 24-inch diameter barrel.

Optional: Add sand or crushed stone as base

Step 2: Downspout preparation

If using the Rain Barrel Depot kit, use this guide.

Step 3: Connect your rain barrel

Check set-up before use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my class have to finish by a certain date?

Should I make sure my gutters are cleaned before installing barrel?

Does my class have to finish by a certain date?

We understand that each classroom is different. The program can be completed at your classroom's pace.

How often should I check my barrel?

Should I make sure my gutters are cleaned before installing barrel?

Does my class have to finish by a certain date?

Routinely check your barrel and gutters to make sure there is no debris build up that could block the flow of water to your barrel.

Should I make sure my gutters are cleaned before installing barrel?

Yes! Before installation, make certain that all gutters are cleaned. Debris in gutters could be washed into the barrel and could clog the water flow in the gutter, or out of the barrel.

Will algae grow in the barrel?

What should I do during the winter?

Should I make sure my gutters are cleaned before installing barrel?

Make sure to empty your barrel monthly to ensure that there is no algae buildup inside the barrel. If you suspect there may be some buildup, a cap of chlorine bleach poured into the barrel will take care of the algae. This small amount will not be harmful to any plants should you choose to water them with the contents of the barrel.

How do I clean my barrel?

What should I do during the winter?

Every few years, clean the inside of the barrel using a solution consisting of 2 teaspoons of vinegar and 2 teaspoons of organic soap per gallon of water. Be sure that after cleaning, the barrel is thoroughly rinsed.

What should I do during the winter?

1. Disconnect the barrel from your downspout and put the downspout back in its original position.

2. Remove any other items connected to the rain barrel and store inside.

IMPORTANT: Drain the rain barrel completely. Any significant amount of water left in the barrel will freeze and possibly crack the barrel.

Can I leave my barrel outside during the winter?

Can the water collected be used to water edible plants?

Can I leave my barrel outside during the winter?

You can leave your barrel outside during the winter if you choose, but it must be emptied. The barrel's high density material makes it durable, but the brass spigot and harvesting system may not hold up well in the freezing weather.

Can I drink the water collected?

Can the water collected be used to water edible plants?

Can I leave my barrel outside during the winter?

Do NOT drink the water collected into the barrel! Watering your garden, or washing your car, are some uses for the collected water!

Can the water collected be used to water edible plants?

Studies show that the overall water quality coming from a rain barrel is very good and the water from a rain barrel can be safely utilized to irrigate herb/vegetable gardens. However, caution should still be taken to put the harvested rainwater directly on the soil rather than on the leaves of the edible plants.

Teaching Resources

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Photo Submission

Rain Barrel Guides

Painting Instructions

Installation Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my class have to finish by a certain date?

Should I make sure my gutters are cleaned before installing barrel?

Does my class have to finish by a certain date?

How often should I check my barrel?

Should I make sure my gutters are cleaned before installing barrel?

Does my class have to finish by a certain date?

Should I make sure my gutters are cleaned before installing barrel?

Should I make sure my gutters are cleaned before installing barrel?

Should I make sure my gutters are cleaned before installing barrel?

Will algae grow in the barrel?

What should I do during the winter?

Should I make sure my gutters are cleaned before installing barrel?

How do I clean my barrel?

What should I do during the winter?

What should I do during the winter?

What should I do during the winter?

What should I do during the winter?

What should I do during the winter?

Can I leave my barrel outside during the winter?

Can the water collected be used to water edible plants?

Can I leave my barrel outside during the winter?

Can I drink the water collected?

Can the water collected be used to water edible plants?

Can I leave my barrel outside during the winter?

Can the water collected be used to water edible plants?

Can the water collected be used to water edible plants?

Can the water collected be used to water edible plants?

Teaching Resources

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Photo Submission

Rain Barrel Guides

Painting Instructions

Installation Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my class have to finish by a certain date?

Should I make sure my gutters are cleaned before installing barrel?

Does my class have to finish by a certain date?

How often should I check my barrel?

Should I make sure my gutters are cleaned before installing barrel?

Does my class have to finish by a certain date?

Should I make sure my gutters are cleaned before installing barrel?

Should I make sure my gutters are cleaned before installing barrel?

Should I make sure my gutters are cleaned before installing barrel?

Will algae grow in the barrel?

What should I do during the winter?​

Should I make sure my gutters are cleaned before installing barrel?

How do I clean my barrel?

What should I do during the winter?​

What should I do during the winter?​

What should I do during the winter?​

What should I do during the winter?​

What should I do during the winter?​

Can I leave my barrel outside during the winter?

Can the water collected be used to water edible plants?

Can I leave my barrel outside during the winter?

Can I drink the water collected?

Can the water collected be used to water edible plants?

Can I leave my barrel outside during the winter?

Can the water collected be used to water edible plants?

Can the water collected be used to water edible plants?

Can the water collected be used to water edible plants?

What should I do during the winter?

What should I do during the winter?

What should I do during the winter?

What should I do during the winter?

What should I do during the winter?

What should I do during the winter?