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Show cooperated with the Bureau of Reclamation to produce videos of water education subjects. Potential Water Savings Water education has grown and blossomed since its austere beginning in the 70s. Utah students are becoming well- informed about water and its many uses. Though it is difficult to measure water savings that are a direct result of education, water use habits in Utah have been modified. Parents report their children insist that families share the water lessons they have learned and incorporate the new information at home. Boy Scouts select water conservation/ education themes for Eagle Scout projects. Students contact water companies and other entities to get information and materials for science projects. The Utah State Board of Education has placed greater emphasis on water subjects in its science CORE curriculum, targeting grades 1, 4 and 5. Water resource entities are working together to enhance classroom activities and provide extended resources through tours, outdoor programs and student presentations. The general public is learning that there is much to know about water, its wise use and its intrinsic value in our lives. Changing behavior is the last and most difficult step to accomplish. State Commitment to Water Education The Utah Division of Water Resources recognizes the importance of water education in the school systems and commits to pursue the following: ( A) Continue the basics of Utah's water education program and seek additional funding to accommodate a growing student population. ( B) Establish one or more water resource facilitators in areas throughout the state to insure workshops and training to all interested teachers and provide a liaison for the Division of Water Resources water education program. The facilitators would conduct teacher workshops ( Project WET and others) and work with schools and water resource entities to provide quality water education for local communities. ( C) In cooperation with the State Office of Education, develop water education materials for secondary grades to fit their specific needs, with sufficient personnel to accomplish inservice training for teachers, as necessary. ( D) Develop water education materials for the general public with regards to water and water conservation. ^ 25 |