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Show water rights, pollution, conservation and other Utah- specific water information. Illustrations and language are geared to fourth graders, but they also provide an excellent resource for adults. Approximately 38,000 of these publications have been distributed each year since 1991. Other publications include a slide rule that presents Utah water facts and water trivia, and a booklet, titled " Utah Water," designed for upper grade levels and the general public. It answers general water questions, such as the source of our water supply, the hydrologic cycle, etc. These booklets are distributed to secondary schools and teachers through seminars, displays, etc. A Utah lawn- watering guide and water conservation check- list have been distributed through water purveyors, conferences, students and general requests for information. A statewide Young Artist's Water Education Poster Contest, for grades K- 6, is in its 10th year. An annual water theme provides the impetus for young artists to illustrate their water knowledge. Local and state level winners receive trophies and other valuable prizes. The division was invited in 1992 by National Project WET ( Water Education for Teachers) to sponsor a Utah WET program. The philosophies and goals of WET and the plans for curriculum and other resources blended well with Utah's ongoing program. The program also offered the advantages of education resources initiated and produced by the national organization. The division agreed to join with WET and provide a half- time coordinator to disseminate WET curriculum to teachers, plan workshops and direct the Utah program. Utah representatives participated in writing curriculum for the program and Utah was chosen to represent the southwest region to field test the draft materials. DivisionAVET staff have also produced 12 Liquid Treasure History Trunks which are available for student and teacher use at various locations throughout the state. Ten groundwater flow models, purchased for use by students and the general public, are also available. It is anticipated that a group of select teachers in key state areas will act as facilitators to arrange and instruct WET teacher workshops and provide a liaison for water education information and activities for the Division of Water Resources and Project WET Utah. In September, 1994, the division and Project WET Utah sponsored a Utah Water Fair for 1,500 fourth and fifth grade Wasatch Front students. Each student group rotated between three hands- on, water- related presentations and a water- trivia contest. Twenty- eight presenters representing state, local, federal and private water- related entities participated in the water fair. Students and teachers rated the fair excellent. The division initiated water fairs in St. George and the Ogden area in 1995. The division authorizes $ 1,000 for each of two water fairs in a calendar year; the balance of funding comes from local sponsors. Other fairs are planned for coming years in other parts of the state. In addition to these programs, the division is recognized as a water education/ conservation leader to other water- related agencies and organizations. Students of all ages - elementary school through college - have been assisted with research projects, reports, science projects, etc. Groups that have sought assistance include the Utah Science Teachers Association ( USTA), Utah Education Association ( UEA), Rural Water Users, Utah Water Users, chambers of commerce, Water Pollution Control Federation, Water Environment Association of Utah, Utah Society for Environmental Education, state and national American Water Resources Association groups and the American Water Works Association. For two consecutive years the division was a partner for the National Energy Foundation elementary school debate program, providing in- kind service and financial assistance. Water was the topic of the debate resolution in both years of division involvement. The division has also 24 |
