Workshop Emphasizes Need for Water Education
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Local teachers packed Western’s Board Room as they took time from their summer break to attend the third annual Summer Water Education Teacher Workshop in late July. As the teachers arrived, they were welcomed with tables covered in brightly colored gingham tablecloths and sand pails filled with classroom supplies and lessons on water and related topics.
“The teachers who attend the workshop are taking personal time out of their summer break, going above and beyond, to learn lessons that can be taken back to their classrooms to enrich their students’ minds, and we wanted to make the experience impactful and enjoyable,” shared Western Board President, Brenda Dennstedt. “With California’s current drought, it’s imperative now more than ever to teach our youth about the scarcity of our water resources. It’s the students of today who will be the decision-makers of tomorrow. Teachers have the power to influence and inspire their students to take an interest in studying a subject, such as water.”
Teachers arrived and eagerly awaited keynote speaker, Dr. Pamela Clute, assistant vice chancellor of educational and community engagement at the University of California, Riverside. Dr. Clute captivated the audience as she emphasized the necessity for water and the importance of motivating students to take an interest in studying water resources. “STEM studies are one of the most important gifts we can give our young people. STEM is Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics; it contributes to the economic vitality of our region, our state, our nation via its students, and it’s essential for quality of life issues, such as water.”
Western’s free water education workshop, which was open to all K-12 teachers in the region, included breakout sessions with water-related topics taught by experts from Discovery Science Center. Teachers were taught lessons on grade-specific, water-related topics aligning with the California State Content Standards, as well as Common Core.
Teachers who attended the workshop indicated to Western’s educational outreach specialist, Liselle DeGrave, that Dr. Clute’s presentation rejuvenated them, leaving them inspired to start the school year with enthusiasm for water-related lessons to present to their class. “I attended the workshop to provide my students with fresh, relevant lessons. As an educator, I understand the importance of educating children on the significant role water plays in our society,” said Erica Corelli, 6th grade math and science teacher from Temecula Valley Charter School. “I left the workshop feeling excited to try some of the activities provided in the curriculum.”
Western Municipal Water District provides water supply, wastewater disposal and water resource management to the public in a safe, reliable, environmentally sensitive and financially responsible manner.
