This study uses case study and qualitative content analysis methodologies to answer the question: What is the relationship between Washington State's k-12 science education standards and the environmental sustainability needs of the Palouse River Watershed? After defining the Palouse Watershed's attributes, the author presents a land use history of the Palouse from prehistory to the present. Investigation of Palouse land, air, and water issues revealed that the Palouse Watershed is one of the most damaged ecosystems in the United States. Current efforts at restoring environmental quality in the Palouse were considered along with unaddressed environmental needs. Twenty-seven restorative and educative strategies were elucidated and later employed in a qualitative content analysis of Washington State's 58 k-12 science education standards. Content analysis revealed that only two of 58 science standards have content that is connected with preparing students to address the actual environmental sustainability needs of the Palouse Watershed. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]