When the well's dry, 
we know the worth of water.
Benjamin Franklin

Our goal as educators should always be to actively engage children in learning. We want to teach children to take pleasure in learning, become active participants in the learning process, be self directed, and be self motivated. We want children to love learning and ultimately become lifelong learners. When we succeed in engaging children in a topic of international importance such as water conservation, it is an opportunity for them to take action and to feel the power of their actions! 

• Ask your students what they know about water, what they think they know, and what they want to learn. This helps you assess what your students know already. It also creates an opportunity for them to brainstorm what things they would like to learn.  You will need four columns for your chart. The fourth one will be blank for now.
• Record the list on a chart.
• Using the Internet, have the students read the story Water for Life. Technology can serve to enhance the student's interest in water conservation.
• Choose a book from our list that you would like to share with your class. All children love stories. Literature is a great basis for beginning your investigation.

• Follow the lesson plans included in our site. Using lessons in language arts, math, science, as well as art to captivate your students will pay dividends.
• Do the experiments included in our site to help your students understand the water cycle and water usage. Hands on activities stimulate children's interest.
• Have the students do some investigating at home with their parents following the experiments. By involving families, you give your students more opportunities for interaction and discussion about the importance of water conservation.

Water, water, everywhere
Nor any drop to drink! 
Samuel Taylor Coleridge

• Create a SWISH TEAM (Student Water Investigators Showing How) in your classroom. Your students can generate their own pledge to be Water Savers. We have created a SWISH pledge, badges, and membership cards for you. You will find everything you need here.
• As your project comes to a close, have your students record a portion of the chart dedicated to what they have learned.  Use this as an opportunity to assess what your students have learned. Is there something they have missed? Is there something to build on?
• Have the students do some of the activities on the project ideas page. When children have an opportunity to turn their learning into action, they reach the highest level of understanding. They must stretch their thinking skills in deciding how best to educate others about the importance of conserving water.

• Finally, plan an activity that you and your students can do on a regular basis to make a difference in your community. You want to keep the momentum going. Success breeds success.

  • Create an ongoing program with your students that inspects your school for water wasting locations. Report your findings regularly to the appropriate person.
  • Do you have a stream or lake near your school that you could adopt? If you do, why not make regular visits to clean the area of trash?