‘Hydro Station’ honored with BlueTech teaching award

One of California’s leading maritime organizations recently honored Hydro Station, the Chula Vista Elementary School District’s newest hands-on experiential learning lab, for its innovative approach to scientific teaching. Hydro Station is an interactive educational space that houses learning exhibits and hands-on activities dedicated to introducing local students to the ecological cycle of water, water conservation, water quality, and careers in the water industry. The station, which opened in August 2019, is a joint educational project of the Sweetwater Authority, the Chula Vista Elementary School District, and the Otay Water District. The BlueTech Science Teaching Award was officially bestowed upon Michael Bruder, the district’s instructional services coordinator. He noted the award is as much a recognition of the work of the district’s partner agencies and innovation teacher Christy Bystrak. More than 4,000 CVESD fifth-grade students are expected to visit Hydro Station annually. TMA BlueTech, previously The Maritime Alliance, is the nonprofit industry association and cluster organizer for the San Diego maritime technology community. Its tag line is Promoting BlueTech and Blue Jobs.  The organization supports development of BlueTech and Blue Jobs by promoting sustainable, science-based ocean and water industries. It brings education, policy and technology resources together to promote innovation and economic development in the Blue Economy.  “Providing innovative, engaging learning opportunities for our students is at the core of our efforts at Hydro Station,” said Matthew Tessier, assistant superintendent, Innovation and Instruction at Chula Vista Elementary School District. “The BlueTech Science Teaching Award is a wonderful acknowledgment of the quality work being done by our District teachers and staff in increasing students’ access to STEAM activities and STEAM’s tie to the professional world that awaits them.”