An innovative education program is being rolled out across south-east Queensland to improve water literacy and enhance Year 7 curriculum on water issues.
Year 7 students at Kenmore State High School were the first to experience the Meaning of Water program, which was launched by Seqwater in line with National Water Week.
Seqwater Team Leader Community Education Michelle Bordignon said the program was an extension of Seqwater’s H2O Kids program, which engaged more than 25,000 students across South East Queensland in the past year.
“With Seqwater developing the region’s long-term water plan, it’s important young students have an understanding and appreciation of water as an essential resource and how we are planning for tomorrow,” Ms Bordignon said.
“Our Meaning of Water program, is designed for Year 7 student leaders, combining classroom activities and story-telling with place-based education.”
More than 50 students took on the role of Water Trackers at Enoggera Reservoir where they discovered the historical, cultural, ecological and indigenous significance of the reservoir through story-based learning exercised.
At the conclusion of the program, students undertake a full immersion day at the reservoir to help them appreciate water as a precious resource and take personal responsibility for the conservation of water.
Ms Bordignon said Seqwater commissioned the education program in partnership with the Pullenvale Environmental Education Centre – a Department of Education facility that designs, promotes and delivers arts-based environmental education programs for school children.
“The launch was scheduled to coincide with National Water Week, which runs from 21 – 27 October,” Ms Bordignon said.
“This year’s theme for National Water Week is ‘It’s time to change the world’, encouraging people to understand and take action to protect and conserve our precious water resources and habitats, which is exactly what we are promoting through this program.”
From Term 1 2020, Seqwater will offer free full day programs in conjunction with Pullenvale Environmental Centre to high schools across South East Queensland. For more information email[email protected]
