Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists and Environmental Stewards
4-H2O Education Program
Supported by the Park Foundation 
What is the 4-H2O Education Program?
Through our 4-H2O program, CSI aims to foster and support the next generation of scientists and environmental stewards through hands-on water science and engaging activities that allow children to “dip their toes” into the world of water.
The 4-H2O program started as a collaborative relationship with the Tompkins County 4-H youth education organization in 2006. In 2016, 4-H2O transitioned from a club format to a project based format allowing all children to participate regardless of their affiliation with 4-H. Each 4-H2O activity is presented in a way that makes scientific topics approachable and engaging for children and adults with any level of experience or interest.
What age group can participate?
The target age for programming is 6-14 and kids from elementary through high school are welcome to participate. Youth under 7 must be accompanied by an adult.
Looking for fun and educational activities this summer?
Check out our upcoming programs!
Biomonitoring Event at Upper Buttermilk Falls State Park
Date: July 11 Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Reservations are required and space is limited to 10 participants. More information and directions will be provided upon signing up.
Who lives under the rocks in streams and what can these organisms tell us about water quality? Join the Community Science Institute (CSI) for an afternoon along Upper Buttermilk Creek as we explore the life in the creek and collect a sample of organisms that will be used to evaluate water quality and ecosystem health. This event is meant for the whole family and is interactive. Participants can help us wade through the creek to find organisms under rocks for everyone to look at under magnification – we’ll project the images so that they can be seen by everyone at a distance! Those who are interested in following the scientific protocols for collecting an official sample (that will be analyzed and the results of which will be included in CSI’s long-term datasets of water quality) can help collect the sample and complete a physical survey.
COVID-19 Safety Precautions: We are limiting the number of participants in this program to 10 and those participating must practice social distancing. Face masks are required. If you are interested in participating, you will need to reserve a spot for each family member in advance.
Water Quality Cruise on Cayuga Lake
Date: July 19, 2020 Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Reservations are required and space is limited to 20 participants. Cruises will depart from the Allen H. Treman Marina at 800 Taughannock Blvd. Ithaca, NY. Please arrive 15 minutes before the departure time for check in.
Sail Ho! Join the Community Science Institute on an exploration of Cayuga Lake aboard the Floating Classroom. For the 15th year running, CSI’s 4-H2O Program will be partnering with Discover Cayuga Lake’s Floating Classroom to collect and analyze water samples from Cayuga Lake. Participants will learn how to collect water samples using a Van Dorn sampler and will analyze them while aboard the Floating Classroom’s boat, the MV Teal. Data collected by participants will be included in CSI’s online water quality database.
This is a great opportunity for all ages to participate in local water quality science! Space is limited to 20 participants, so sign up while there is still time!
COVID-19 Safety Precautions: We are limiting the number of participants in this program to 20. At this capacity, social distancing can and will be followed on the boat. Face masks are required. All surfaces will be routinely disinfected. If you are interested in participating, you will need to reserve a spot for each family member in advance.
To learn more about the precautions being taken to ensure everyone who participates in the cruise remains safe and healthy, please visit Discover Cayuga Lake’s covid-19 guidelines found on their website.
Getting to Know Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)
Date: July 25, 2020 Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (drop in)
You can drop by our field lab set up at Stewart Park anytime between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. We will limit the size of the group gathered at any one time to 10, so if you’d like to be assured a space for your family, please send a reservation in advance.
Did you know that microscopic organisms called cyanobacteria are what form harmful algal blooms (HABs) that cause beach closures? Did you know that these organisms have been around much longer than the lake itself and are one of the oldest life forms on Earth? Stop by Stewart Park to find out more!
The Community Science Institute (CSI) will have a field lab set up near the floating boat dock at Stewart Park where we’ll be collecting and looking at lake samples. We’ll explore what cyanobacteria look like both from the lake shore and through a microscope. At 2:00 PM we will provide a kid-friendly presentation for you to learn about the fascinating ecology of cyanobacteria and their role in Cayuga’s diverse aquatic community. We’ll also present on our ongoing Cayuga Lake HABs Monitoring Program and how you can get involved!
COVID-19 Safety Precautions: We are limiting the number of participants in this program to no more than 10 at a time and those participating must practice social distancing. Face masks are required. If you want to assure that your family can participate at a specific time, we recommend that you sign up in advance.
