Introduction and Overview

1. U.S.A. Introduction and Overview

2. “We believe in the power of education and we believe that it should start out at an early age . . . when taught early, children can understand the importance of water and can bring that knowledge to those surrounding them.” Youth Vision Statement Second World Water Forum The Hague March 17-22, 2000

3. Project WET Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) is an international, interdisciplinary, water education program for formal and nonformal educators of students ages 5 to 18

4. The Mission of Project WET is to reach Children, Parents, Educators and Communities of the World with Water Education

5. Worldwide Programs: • Project WET USA • Project WET Canada • Project WET Mexico • Project WET Philippines • Project WET US Peace Corps Over 50 additional countries around the world have expressed interest in partnering with Project WET.

6. Project WET Materials and Training Assist learners of all ages to develop… • Awareness, knowledge, skills & commitment That result in… • Informed decisions • Responsible behavior • Constructive actions Through… • Hands-on, self contained and easy to use water education resources

7. Project WET is grounded in the following beliefs: • Water moves through living and nonliving systems and binds them together in a complex web of life. • Water is important for all water users. • Sustainable water management is crucial for social and economic stability and a healthy environment. • Awareness of and respect for water resources can encourage a personal, lifelong commitment of responsibility and positive community participation.

8. Interdisciplinary and Supplemental Art Health/PE Social Studies Math Science Language Arts Music

9. Educational Stages SOLUTIONS TO WATER RESOURCE PROBLEMS PARTICIPATION (acquire experience and take action) SKILL (identify problems) ATTITUDE (values & feelings) KNOWLEDGE (understanding) AWARENESS (appreciation)

10. Project WET teaches HOW to think not WHAT to think Present Facts ∙ Maintain Objectivity ∙ Provide Guidance Evaluate Choices Make Informed Decisions

11. Who uses Project WET? Museum, nature and science center instructors Classroom teachers, public/private schools Resource agency educators Youth Organization Leaders Preschool and daycare teachers University Professors Local, state and National park rangers and interpreters

12. What do state Project WET programs offer to educators? • Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide training workshops • Advanced workshops that focus on ground water, water conservation, wetlands, water quality, human health, and other water topics • Annual Make a Splash with Project WET National Day of Water Education Festivals • College credit workshops

13. The Project WET USA Program is: I. The Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide II. A Training Network III. Support Services

14. I.The Curriculum The Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide is the core educators guide. It is supplemented by additional programs and publications developed by Project WET.

15. TheProject WET Curriculum and Activity Guide is: • 91 activities developed by over 350 teachers, resource managers, and scientists and tested by 600 teachers and 35,000 students • Interactive • Non-biased • Interdisciplinary • Available only to participants who complete a minimum of six-hours of training

16. Organization of the Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide • Teaching Strategies. • Water has unique physical and chemical characteristics. • Water is essential for all life to exist. • Water connects all Earth systems. • Water is a natural resource. • Water resources are managed. • Water resources exist within social constructs. • Water resources exist within cultural constructs.

17. A Wide Variety of Additional Materials Provide Support

18. II. Project WET Coordinator Network

19. A Highly Effective Delivery Network for Information and Education

20. Consisting of… • 69 Coordinators and Co-Coordinators from 50 US States and Territories • 3000 Facilitators

21. Coordinators work for… • Fish and Game Agencies • Universities • Parks and Nature Centers • State Departments of Education • NGOs

22. Facilitators are… • Teachers • Volunteers • Parents • Park and Nature Center Employees • Water Resource Professionals • People with a commitment to water education

23. US Coordinators and International Project WET Program Directors are connected through the International Office, Bozeman, MT, USA • Annual Conference brings together Coordinators and Directors to share ideas and strategies • Advanced Coordinator training opportunities are offered yearly to build skills in specific areas (e.g., water quality testing, issues analysis, water conservation) • State Coordinators publish articles in the annual Project WET USA magazine

24. III. Support Services All Project WET states, provinces, and countries have access to other publications and Project WET programs.

25. projectwet.org • Background Materials • Teacher Resources • Sample Materials • Secure Online Ordering of Books and Materials • Nationwide Contact Information • Water Festival Support • Links

26. OHIO PROJECT WET Ohio Water Education Program (OWEP) • OWEP Collaborators • Ohio Department of Natural Resources • OSU Water Resources Center • Water Management Association of Ohio/Water Resources Foundation of Ohio • Ohio Environmental Protection Agency • Ohio Coordinator-Greg Nageotte

27. For more information contact: GREG NAGEOTTE (614) 265-6619 greg.nageotte@dnr.state.oh.us

28. U.S.A. Coordinators Network NORTH AMERICA is supported in part by: