Before You Dig:
A Kid’s Guide to 811
This lesson is for ages 6–10
Help your class discover the hidden world beneath their feet with this interactive lesson designed to teach students about underground utility safety
Lesson Overview
From the lights turning on to water flowing from the faucet, nearly everything that makes modern life comfortable depends on a hidden network of underground utility lines running just inches below the surface. Through interactive discussion and colorful hands-on activities, this lesson teaches students what is buried below their feet, how to recognize utility marker flags, and why calling 811 through JULIE before any digging project is one of the most important things a family can do to stay safe.
Students will learn:
- What underground utilities are and how they connect to everyday activities like streaming, cooking, and showering
- Why utility lines buried close to the surface make even small digging projects potentially dangerous
- How to identify the utility marker flag colors and what each one represents
- What can happen when someone digs unsafely, including outages, costly fines, and injury
- What JULIE is, what 811 is, and how the free locate process works
- How to apply the C.A.R.E. framework for safe digging every time
- How to share what they learned with their family and encourage adults to call 811 before any digging begins
Downloadable Resources:
Parents Handout
Presentation
Presentation Guide
Word Scramble
Coloring Page
Color Marking Worksheet
What’s Included:
- A short, age appropriate presentation
- Interactive activities
- Pamphlets and take-home resources for students
- A fun & memorable experience that sticks with kids
How Did It Go in Your Classroom?
You know your students better than anyone. If you have used the JULIE Before You Dig: A Kids Guide to 811 lesson in your classroom, we would love to hear what worked, what sparked great conversations, and what could be improved. Your feedback helps us make this resource better for every teacher and student who uses it after you.
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