This presentation will identify elements of water literacy through a stewardship study with grades 4/5 school students. While drawing from a specific school project, it will identify elements that can be transferred to other situations – and higher grade levels. The project involved field learning immersed in local community, making personal connections that lead to community activism. Topics to be discussed include: watershed study; creek habitat investigations and rehabilitation; water monitoring (includes constructivism and critical thinking); invertebrate life in the creek; creekside poetry and journaling; structured unstructured play; local water issues; global water issues; and evolving from awareness to action. Cate will use a 3-D model to demonstrate how a watershed works, describe how to intervene with a local government and create interpretive signs for public creekside walks.

Age appropriateness:  Grades 1-8