Our vision is to educate the youth about good water conservation practices so that they implement these habits in their home. Looking at the bigger picture, we want to influence this new generation to be knowledgeable about water and combat climate change. Some different practices could include turning off the faucet while brushing their teeth, using reusable water bottles instead of plastic ones, and taking shorter showers. We have orchestrated our own water fair at JJK Academy with students aged 8-10. We had 4 stations that focused on water conservation vocabulary, soil, water runoff, and water filtration. By participating in water fairs, children are exposed to water conservation exercises and will want to take pride in conserving their Earth.
There are many important aspects when it comes to water infrastructure, and specifically the systems that go along with it. Our research deeply investigates the outside factors that influence community sustainability as it regards water conservation. Aging water systems pose a prominent issue for lower-income and rural communities. With that being said, the condition of pipes, dams, canals, and reservoirs is a factor that the government might look at as a minor problem. As a result of this, issues such as leaks and corrosion occur and ultimately impact the people directly. When conducting research around this topic, one of the most important aspects to consider is the methods. Considering different methods will help researchers navigate the most effective ways to gain results that are credible. With that being said, developing a clear framework and research question will be key when it comes to constructing your research. Another unknown to consider is the tools that the researchers are using to help conduct their research. More specifically, this unknown dives into the assessment of the measure. This can be best explained by how we will determine if results are credible. Therefore, there can be several things susceptible to the idea of the unknown. Quantitative and qualitative measures are both items that could be used to check for the reliability of the research. Similarly, measuring the usage of ethics is also just as important. When considering methods, we also have to ensure that these methods are ethical. One of the unknowns that my group had before conducting and examining the provided articles is principles. We might have to determine ethics in many different ways, but before conducting the research, this aspect is something that we consider beforehand. Ultimately, we have explored the many unknowns regarding factors, methods and overall usage of ethics.
Media
What kinds of media do we want to include?
- Pictures of Cahokia Heights
- Pictures of us at SIU System Day
- Pictures of us at JJK
- Water fair pictures
- Pictures of us in class last semester
The Magic of Water Filtration
This project was created by Justin Richerson and he had created “The Magic of Water Filtration.” It started when he wanted to make a simple inexpensive project that portrayed an aspect of Water Filtration, when the idea was floated that I should make it about water filtration, after confirming this as a good idea with his peers and the community partners, he had set the research into motion and found several sources detailing the process, using materials such as a soda bottle, sand, pebbles of varying sizes, and cottonballs, it was also preferable that all these items were very inexpensive and easy to find/be supplied with. After the construction of the Simple water filter, it was ready for presentation.
My part of the Water Fair was essentially about water filtration and its effects on the environment. It had been constructed using a simple model of the water filter, using a bottle, and some other relatively inexpensive materials. Then, he decided to make an activity out of it using a large notepad and drew an example of the water filter and had the kids describe each layer of the simple water filter. It was meant for the students to comprehend what they were previously taught and bring their own ideas into it.
While there were some hiccups, Zach and Kurly loved the idea and the execution of it, So I would deem this project a rousing success.
Runoff with Water Knowledge
My name is Sonia Sheryr and I created my lesson plan called Runoff with Water Knowledge. I plan on researching secondary sources regarding rain gardens, pollutants and other obstructions, and runoff water. I will include more evidence in my lesson plan and tailor it efficiently for my specific target audience to help convey the importance of runoff water in water conservation. It is also important to put into perspective how this one lesson plan can help picture the water cycle and runoff while understanding its functions and roles.
Water Word Wonders
Water Words Wonders is a game that I, Alexandra created inspired by a fun and interactive approach to learning terms related to water conservation. When I started my research on water conservation education for young kids, I couldn’t find many fun activities to teach them about water sustainability, taking care of water, and key terms related to this topic. So, the idea of making a game that was both fun and low-cost came to mind. After looking into different possible games, I decided on a matching game where kids match a definition to a card that includes a word and a picture. The picture helps kids better understand the words. Another thing I considered is that the game can be easily modified for older or younger kids, but for my version, it was made specifically for 5 to 12 year olds.
Water Fair Toolkit
After our water fair concluded, we were able to dissect what went well and what areas could use improvement. One of our group members, Payton Plummer, constructed a water fair toolkit. This is a guide for other communities to implement similar events. She began by brainstorming topics that would encompass our goals but also that would be age appropriate and easily digestible. She created a google doc with different tabs: a “Read Me” file– consisting of an overview and instructions for navigation,
I wanted to work alongside my group mates to analyze the water fair on a bigger scale. My goal is to make a water fair “toolkit”- a guide for other communities to implement similar events. I started by brainstorming topics that would encompass our goals but also that would be age appropriate and easily digestible. I created a google doc with different tabs: An overarching outline, CODES water fair, and logistics, and the different topics: water equity, water conservation, water filtration, community gardens, and flooding. Within each tab, I outlined several lesson plans. I met with Miss Martinez, a 7th grade science teacher who gave me great advice on what she does specifically to cover water with her students as well as what the final product would look like. Ultimately, we decided that the format would be a Google Drive folder with each folder being a different topic. Within each folder, there would be different sections, one containing an overview and brief descriptions of the activities, materials needed, in depth instructions, and lastly photos and/or of the activities. I was able to observe the CODES water fair and take notes on what went well and what could go better next time. We then did a recap with Zach and Kurly where they gave us feedback on the water fair, so I incorporated this into my overall reflection.
In conclusion, we have all played a role in this research, building into what is now known as the water fair, giving us the opportunity to teach kids a fun lesson in water conservation that we have created or modified to fit with our partner’s approach in a fun and interactive way of teaching in their after-school program. After trying out lessons, we learned about different ideas and experiences with kids, and how we can improve our teaching to increase kids’ awareness of water conservation. We, as an education research group on water conservation, hope to make a difference in kids’ lives and in the future of water resources.