Learning about (and to protect and conserve) our most valuable resource

 

A project funded through

The National 4-H Council and Toyota Foundation

 

 

What is Water Wizards?

4-H Water Wizards is a 12-week science education project teaching 4th-6th grade students about water and its importance to the planet.  Delivered to children in after school settings, students participate in hands-on learning experiences that encourage inquiry, teach basic information about water, and develop awareness.  Youth also take action on a water issue in their community.

 

Program partners in our effort include the Sacramento START after school program, Folsom Cordova STARS after school program, American River Water Education Center, California Water Fowl, Sacramento Splash, and California State University Sacramento.

 

To see a video of 4-H Water Wizards, click here: http://stream.ucanr.org/4h_waterwizards/4h_waterwizards.html

 

Training for After School Staff

Staff who work in after school program sites deliver Water Wizards.  They attend three three-hour trainings—one for each of the three Water Wizards components:  Water and the Environment; Water Properties; and Making a Difference.  Trainings are hands-on and emphasize the importance of inquiry in teaching science.

 

 

What do Kids Do?

Components in Water Wizards include:

 

Water and the Environment (four sessions)

• Understanding the Water Cycle—Nature’s Recycling System
• Watersheds:  Where We Live
• My Community Watershed
• Wetlands—Water, Wildlife, Plants, and People

Water Properties (four sessions)

• Is Bottled Water Better?  A Taste Test
• Measuring Salinity of Water Samples
• Measuring Water Density
• Testing Our Water

Making a Difference (four sessions)

• What is Community—Why Volunteer?
• Choosing and Planning a Community Service Project
• Getting Your Service Project Started
• Project Day

In addition to these on-site activities, all participating after school sites make a visit to the American River Water Education Center where they see Folsom Lake, tour the displays, and learn about water testing.  The fieldtrip revisits many of the topics the youth explore in the curriculum including watersheds, wetlands, flooding, and water conservation.  Many after school programs also host speakers from agencies connected to water and wildlife.

 

 

Furthering Water Education through "On the Wild Side" Camp

A water theme ties together the environmental education activities at this year’s On the Wild Side camp.  At On the Wild Side, elementary school students attend a weekend camp experience in the Sierra foothills and trained teenagers plan and lead the program.

Click here to learn more about On The Wild Side Program.