Educator Learning Resources
Explore a wealth of opportunities to deepen your understanding of storm water management through webinars, professional organizations, networking events, and more.
Storm water is rainwater that is not absorbed into the ground or evaporated. Instead, this storm water runoff flows over land or impervious surfaces, such as paved roads, and into storm drains, eventually reaching the ocean. As storm water runoff moves along those surfaces, it picks up pollutants, like trash, hazardous bacteria, chemicals, excess nutrients, and dirt and deposits them in the ocean and local streams and waterways.
These pollutants, which are especially concentrated in urban areas, accumulate faster on paved parking lots or sidewalks. This poses a direct threat to the health of our oceans, waterways, and larger environment. It further threatens the health of our communities as water quality and other resources on which we depend are polluted and degraded.
Storm water and storm water management is a foundational part of environmental protection and stewardship, as polluted storm water has the potential to greatly harm our ocean, waterways, and water quality. Educators can play a crucial role in shaping the next generation’s understanding of storm water and environmentally friendly behaviors. They can also help foster a deeper appreciation and responsibility for our natural surroundings.
Although storm water is a critical aspect of environmental health, it is often overlooked or an unfamiliar topic for many. By introducing these concepts early, educators can inspire students to explore their passion for protecting our water resources. Let’s empower our students to mālama, or take care of, our storm water for a healthier, safer future for all.
We have compiled a variety of resources, including webinars, storm water-related organizations, and upcoming networking events, to help educators get involved in
storm water management education.
Our webinar gallery covers the fundamentals of storm water and storm water management, among other topics. Educators can also explore our list of professional organizations that are storm water-affiliated.
Additionally, we have curated a selection of local networking events, which educators can attend to gain first-hand insights into local storm water issues and resources. Although HDOT is unable to offer financial assistance at this time, educators are encouraged to engage with these upcoming events to deepen their storm water knowledge.
Webinars & Learning Resources
We’ve curated a selection of presentations and webinars from professional events across the nation that offer valuable insights into the basics of storm water, along with the latest research, challenges, and strategies within the storm water management field. Whether you are new to storm water or have some familiarity with storm water, these collective resources provide a comprehensive and accessible introduction to storm water and storm water management that is designed for those outside of the storm water industry.
ASLA: Education Webinars
Explore the American Society of Landscape Architects’ (ASLA) library of educational webinars to learn more about the landscape architecture industry. You can watch videos like “From Landscape Architect to Educator,” to learn about environmental and storm water design in the classroom.
ASLA: Online Learning
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) hosts an online learning library on various topics within the landscape architecture industry. Some of their on-demand content, such as “Designing Better Shorelines-with Nature,” explores the use of storm water-related green infrastructure and is free for non-members.
EPA: NPDES Stormwater Webcasts
The EPA's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Webcasts cover general storm water education on the basics of storm water, conducting storm water management, and pollution and discharge prevention.
Green Schools, Blue Waters: Teaching Kids about Stormwater
Rain to Drain: Teaching Kids About Stormwater is a webinar presented by Jennifer Fetter, the Watershed/Youth Development Educator at Penn State Extension, and gives a comprehensive introduction to storm water, storm water management practices, and green infrastructure.
HDOT: Protect Our Water Conference
The Protect Our Water Conference is an annual event hosted by the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) that offers presentations on storm water best management practices. Watch past year’s presentations from storm water professionals with years of experience.
IECA: Stormwater Management Library
The International Erosion Control Association (IECA) offers an extensive library of educational webinars on all things storm water management. A few of their offerings are free to non-members, such as their course, “Valuing Groundcover and Vegetation as a Tool from Start to Finish."
Informed Infrastructure: Reports and Webcasts
Explore Informed Infrastructure's collection of past webcasts and published reports on technical engineering and storm water topics, such as using storm water infiltration to improve regional water quality.
National Water Quality Monitoring Council: Videos
The National Water Quality Monitoring Council's YouTube channel hosts a number of videos on various storm water topics, from general information on storm water and water quality; to more technical information and regional case studies.
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality: Wow Stormwater Webinars
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality provides a series of free webinars, as well as an archive of previous recordings, on storm water research topics and recent case studies.
Ocean Protect: Stormwater Fundamentals Series
Discover Ocean Protect's Stormwater Fundamental Series, which is a series of webinars that focus on the fundamentals of urban storm water design.
StormTrap Webinars
Watch StormTrap's webinars, which cover topics on storm water management, best management practices, and green infrastructure. HDOT does not endorse the purchasing of any products mentioned, as this content is for educational purposes only.
Storm Water Awareness Week: Archive
Storm Water Awareness Week is an annual training event that provides free, high quality education for storm water professionals. Watch webinars and presentations from previous years on topics such as the fundamentals of storm water management, storm water in the classroom, and national case studies.
Stormwater Solutions: Webcasts
Stormwater Solutions houses a collection of webcasts that discuss storm water, nature-based, and green infrastructure, as well as other storm water management subjects.
Professional Organizations
Many great local professional organizations offer valuable resources related to storm water. Attending their events, reading their newsletters, or joining as a member can help you to gain experience within specific fields of the storm water industry. We encourage educators to explore each organization’s websites for more information about how to sign up for newsletters to stay on top of the latest news within Hawai’i, access additional resources and training courses, or sign up to become a member.
ACEC Hawai'i
American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) advocates for policies that protect, enhance, and promote the business interests of engineering companies in Hawai'i. They host a monthly general membership meeting, organize pau hanas, and put out a monthly newsletter.
AIA Honolulu
American Institute of Architects (AIA) Honolulu represents architects, associates, and allied design professionals in O'ahu, Hawai'i, and Kaua'i. They host monthly events, a podcast "Let's Talk Story," and walking tours that explore the architecture of Honolulu.
APA Hawai'i
American Planning Association (APA) Hawai'i encourages planning that prioritizes the wellbeing and needs of communities, while representing planners, officials, and citizens involved with urban and rural planning. They host monthly lunch webinars and provide networking and training opportunities.
APWA Hawai'i
American Public Works Association (APWA) Hawai'i Chapter aims to support its members working in the public works field to improve and maintain public works and infrastructure. Members can attend networking events and educational workshops.
ASCE Hawai'i
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Hawai'i Section aims to promote civil engineering throughout Hawai'i and supports local engineers. They host an annual golf tournament and monthly general membership dinner meetings, and provide regular newsletters and educational and scholarship support for students.
ASLA Hawai’i
The Hawai’i Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) promotes the landscape architecture profession and aims to promote stewardship, planning, and thoughtful design of our cultural and natural environments. As a member, you can attend chapter happy hours and various events.
AWWA Hawai’i Section
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) Hawaii Section represents water supply professionals and promotes the stewardship of water. Members gain access to training, certifications, and local workshops provided by the organization, as well as AWWA’s journal and newsletter.
HAEP
Hawaii Association of Environmental Professionals (HAEP) aims to promote continuing improvement in environmental knowledge and management in Hawai'i. They host lunch forums, webinars, newsletters, pau hana socials, and annual meetings for regular and student members.
HIGICC
Hawai'i Geographic Information Coordinating Council (HIGICC) represents members of Hawai'i's geospatial community. They coordinate geospatial and data-sharing activities among the islands and host quarterly pau hanas, an annual geospatial expo, webinars, and other professional development workshops.
HWEA
Hawai'i Water Environment Association (HWEA) is the Hawai’i chapter of the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and welcomes members in all water environmental protection-related fields. As a member, you can attend their quarterly luncheons and mālama sessions, and access their educational resources.
WCIECA
The Western Chapter International Erosion Control Association's (WCIECA) mission is to connect the erosion control and storm water management industries. They represent members across Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, and California. Members can attend networking opportunities and receive IECA’s magazine and chapter newsletters.
Learning & Networking Events
Networking with local storm water professionals is a great way to learn more about various industries, local issues, and resources to share with your students. Many professional organizations host events that offer the perfect opportunity to broaden your network. Although HDOT is unable to offer financial assistance at this time, we encourage educators to attend the upcoming storm water networking events featured on the calendar below. Any costs associated with these events, such as admission fees, travel, or parking, must be covered by the participant.
Want to keep in touch and learn more?
If you are interested in being notified of more information about storm water news, more educator resources, and upcoming events, join our email list here!
Check out these other educational resources!
Hawai'i Storm Patrol Headquarters
Join the Hawai'i Storm Patrol and teach your Elementary School keiki all about storm water using our interactive booklet and videos!
Science Fair Projects
Engage your High School students in real-world storm water and trash reduction science and engineering issues.
Help us develop future learning resources by filling out our survey!
In the future, we plan to develop more school-based programs to bring increased storm water awareness into classrooms around O’ahu. Your feedback is essential for building programs that provide the best possible learning environments and experiences for students.
Who are we?
We are the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) and we manage a storm water network with over 10,000 drainage structures and 200 miles of pipes and open channels. Our job is to reduce the pollutants that make their way through that storm water network and into the ocean to ensure a safe and healthy environment in Hawai’i. Everyone, from teachers to students to residents to visitors, have a role in ensuring a safe and healthy environment through engaging in responsible, storm water-conscious practices and everyday behaviors.