Environmental Education Equipment Rental Form

Are you interested in renting equipment for your classroom, research project, or volunteer day? WMEAC offers a variety of tools, models, and kits to enrich your science experience! Please note all of this equipment in our inventory is subject to availability. Please contact Kyle Hart at khart@wmeac.org for more information.

Equipment available for Rental

Stream Sampling Equipment

Bootfoot Waders

Lightweight and waterproof these are perfect for wading in freshwater streams, ponds, or along shorelines. The waders slip on over your clothes and clips over each shoulder. Wader belts are also available for younger students or if you plan on entering waters deeper than your waist height. The belts cinch up loose fitting waders to prevent water from filling in the boots if you fall into the water.

Waders are available in shoe sizes 3 – 13. We do not have half sizes. We recommend going one size up if you are unsure they will fit.

Please note we have limited availability to rent waders during April, May, and October.

Dip nets (D-nets)

Lined with heavy-duty canvas, these D-shaped nets are designed for collecting aquatic macroinvertebrates from rocks, logs, roots, or other habitats within a stream. Each net stands about 5’ feet tall. We recommend that a pair of students share one D-net if they do not have experience sampling for macroinvertebrates.

Please note we have limited availability to rent D-nets during April, May, and October.

Kick net (Seine net)

A versatile flat net is designed to catch aquatic organisms in a freshwater stream. The net is roughly X by X and made from a durable canvas mesh. Please note: this net requires at least three people to use effectively. Two people hold the net in the stream and a third person stands upstream to “kick” up macroinvertebrates that will float with the current and become trapped on the net.

5-Gallon Plastic Bucket

These lightweight buckets are great for collecting or transporting aquatic organisms from the stream to your identification station or classroom. We also have portable aerators available if you intend on keeping collected organisms in a bucket or bin for more than 2 hours.

Macroinvertebrate Identification Kit

This kit includes all the necessary equipment you need to view and identify organisms collected from the water. It includes: two white wash tubs, two laminated dichotomous keys, two 4’ by 4’ tarps, two plastic ice cube trays, and several pairs of metal forceps, plastic spoons, aquarium nets, and magnifying glasses. Also included is a small foldable table if desired.

Magicscope Field Microscopes by Brock Optical

These simple and durable microscopes are perfect for looking at field specimens in closer detail. Each Magiscope is powered by a fiber optic cable that provides back light to the microscope stage and is best utilized indoors or in full sun. The solid brass tube is durable and easily adjustable by sliding or twisting the eyepiece up and down. The total magnification is 20x. Petri dishes for specimens are also included.

Physical Measurements Kit

This kit includes equipment to measure the physical characteristics of a stream such as width, depth, and flow. It includes a 60’ reel tape measure, a meter stick, a tennis ball, and a stopwatch.

Freshwater Chemistry Kit

This kit includes basic chemicals and instructions to determine the level of Nitrates, Phosphates, Dissolved Oxygen, and pH (acidity) of a sample of freshwater. As well as tools to estimate the Turbidity (cloudiness) and Temperature.

Each kit includes a set of instructions, easy to use LaMotte TesTabs for 4 tests of each chemical metric, plastic vials, and comparison cards for the results.

Please note renting this kit will cost $5 to replace spent chemicals.

Classroom Models

Enviroscape Nonpoint Source Pollution Watershed Model

The Enviroscape NPS Watershed model is a tabletop plastic landscape where students are able to experience first-hand how nonpoint source pollution is created and moves into streams via stormwater runoff. This visually striking model is a great complement to any unit on watersheds, pollution, or a great standalone activity for fairs, festivals, or workshops geared towards K-12 students.

WMEAC has two Enviroscape Watershed models available for rental. Each model includes a carrying case, plastic figurines, spray bottle, and a set of food-safe “pollutants” for the demonstration. The model itself is about 25” by 30” by 7”.

Please note we have limited availability to rent Enviroscapes during March and September.

Ward's Science Floodplain Model

This engineered tabletop model demonstrates the cause and effect relationship between impermeable surfaces such as parking lots and an increase in stormwater runoff. Your students are guaranteed to have fun pouring water through the rainmaker trays and watching it flow through the landscape.

A resource binder is provided with the model that contains X lessons and extension activities for your students. Also included are a set of “land use trays”, two “rainmaker trays”, six sponges, decorative trees and houses, a drain hose, a pitcher, and two plastic buckets.

The model itself is about 18” by 46” by 17”. It is made of very durable, but heavy, acrylic and requires two people to move.

K’nex Renewable Energy Kits

With these hands-on kits, your students can compare and contrast the power and efficiency that can be harnessed from wind-, solar-, and water-powered machines. Each kit contains many different K’nex pieces and instructions to build various green energy machines.

Each kit builds 9 different models, 3 at a time, and supports 2 to 3 students working as a team. Includes solar panels, motors and capacitors for storing energy, K’NEX® parts, building instructions, and a teacher’s guide.

Introduction to Vermicomposting Kit

Curious about composting in your classroom? Our introductory kit contains several fun activities for your students to discover how worms can transform food waste into compost! The kit includes a compost ingredient activity, work coloring sheets, and a portable composter to demonstrate worms in action to your students!

Also available for digital download is the WMEAC Guide to Vermicomposting that has instructions for making your own vermicompost bin for your classroom, office, or kitchen.