Inspiring effective water stewardship among youth, teachers, water professionals, and the public.
With a focus on robust offerings to support K – 12 teachers, the Compact offers classroom instruction, continuing education workshops, and resources such as water and environment-focused lesson plans. Our goal is to inspire individuals of all ages to protect their waterways by providing engaging experiences that connect people to the environment.
For Educators & Teachers
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Experiential Youth Education
The Cumberland River Compact brings the science of waterways to your classroom! Featuring hands-on activities and facilitated by enthusiastic educators, these programs focus on watersheds, the water cycle, pollution, biodiversity, and more. Programs are aligned with Tennessee State Science Standards.
Professional Learning
The Cumberland River Compact supports school districts with high-quality professional learning to help them bring locally relevant environmental science to students in Middle Tennessee. Learn more about our approach and how we can support your teaching practice or partner with your school district.
Teacher Fellowship
The Cumberland River Compact teacher fellowship is a yearlong immersive program for teachers who want to deeply engage their students in environmental learning, both in the classroom and beyond. Teacher fellows receive in-depth support from the Compact to implement innovative environmental teaching strategies and projects.
Lesson Plans and Resources
Explore science lessons and resources on a variety of topics including Tenneesse’s environment, waterways, and water careers. Standards-aligned lessons are available for grades K-12 and are free for educators. Water Careers for the Classroom highlights careers in the water industry by providing lessons focused on water resources and helping students explore potential career paths in this field.
Youth Climate Program
The Nashville Youth Climate Program brings together high school students from across Davidson County to learn, share, connect, and take action on climate change. It includes the annual Nashville Youth Climate Summit as well as opportunities for students to design and lead Climate Action Projects in their communities.
Nature Packs at the Nashville Public Library
Get started as an environmental explorer with a Nature Pack available at the Nashville Public Library! Each Nature Pack includes materials and activities to get outside and connect with the natural world.
For Professionals
The Cumberland River Compact’s trainings highlight best practices and regional case studies for engineers, developers, stormwater managers, and other water industry professionals to ensure healthy waters in our region.
Water Industry Professionals
The Cumberland River Compact’s Professional Education program highlights best practices and regional case studies for engineers, developers, stormwater managers, and other water industry professionals to ensure healthy waters in our region.