Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2008GU128B

Guam Water Kids: An Educational Campaign for Children to Learn about Guams Water and How to Protect It.

Institute: Guam
Year Established: 2008 Start Date: 2008-03-01 End Date: 2009-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $16,060 Total Non-Federal Funds: Not available

Principal Investigators: Arretta Card, John Jocson

Project Summary: The environmental educational materials about water resource issues in earth science textbooks and online at the websites of government agencies now available to Guam children and educators are focused on conditions existing on the U.S. mainland. These materials and accompanying illustrations and images do not fully address basic features of Guams fresh water resources and the islands critical need to protect and conserve them. The islands unique needs must be taken into consideration if an understanding of the importance of Guams fresh water as a key resource in our lives and a sense of stewardship are to be developed. The project proposed here will create materials that will support teachers of children from 9 to 12 years of age about Guams fresh water resources and will serve children interested in individual study. The materials will feature Guam-based issues and images including photos of Guam children engaged in discovery activities, Guam place names, English-Chamorro vocabulary, and typical island flora, fauna and geological features. Interactive Flash animation will be used to illustrate basic concepts such as how an aquifer functions using the unique specifics of Guams aquifer. The following components will be developed: a (1) GUAM WATER KIDS WEBSITE with corresponding downloadable lesson plans for teachers and group leaders; (2) a CD ROM PRESENTATION in PowerPoint with animation that can be used as (a) a scripted or extemporaneous slideshow, (b) a stand-alone Presentation with pre-recorded narrator and music, and (c) a continuous unmanned Presentation in an exhibit booth, and (3) EXHIBIT banner and POSTERS promoting Guam water conservation awareness and the web address and (4) COLLATERIAL promotional items (a) a direct mailing of postcards to announce the website, (b) a recycled sports bottle to remind children of the website and water issues, and (c) business cards with water conservation tips and the web address. The objectives of the project are to provide: 1. An online resource for teachers and other youth leaders that will enable them to share the importance of Guams water resources and the need for protecting them. 2. A website for youth to independently explore Guams water resources while developing a sense of stewardship. 3. A convenient Presentation that WERI professionals can use to fulfill speaking invitations at schools, career days, and other gatherings of youth groups, and to enhance exhibit opportunities with a narrated CD Rom Presentation and a portable exhibit banner with the purpose of sharing the importance of Guams fresh water resources with children age 9-12. 4. An ongoing reminder of the importance of Guams water resources and publicize the Guam Water Kids website address to children, teachers, village mayors and youth organizations.