Water Resources Research Act Program

Principal Investigators: Arretta Card

Abstract: The use of Guam Water Kids, localized teaching materials about the importance of protecting and preserving fresh water resources, can be extended to high schools students through the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) service-learning project. Beginning in 2014, some 9,000 high school students will be required to perform 75 hours of service learning each to qualify for graduation. The superintendents service-learning representative, Dr. Eloise Sanchez, has shared an urgent need to provide materials to assist teachers in preparing their students to participate in community service and has approved participation of Guam Water Kids as a community partner. The objectives of this proposal are to fill this need by: Providing Service-Learning Modules Five appropriate learning modules about fresh water resources for use in the service-learning program and delivered through each high schools appointed facilitator. Teachers will use these educational modules to prepare their students to (1) participate in service projects that are beneficial to fresh water resources and (2) make Guam Water Kids presentations to middle school students, youth groups and other community organizations. Aligning to Common Core State Standards Follow the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) format and align the service-learning modules to the nationwide Common Core State Standards as GDOE as completes its full implementation in 2014. Existing Guam Water Kids Lesson Plans to be updated from old standards in use to these new, nationally recognized standards. Supporting with Guam Water Kids Website Expand the teacher support section of www.guamwaterkids.com to introduce the new service-learning modules and deliver corresponding content/resource materials. Annotate website throughout with Common Core State Standards references. Perform an update to the existing self-paced slide shows for use with tablets and smart boards to increase technology in learning opportunities. Surveying participating educators to evaluate the use and effectiveness of "Guam Water Kids" service-learning modules. Include face-to-face interviews. Preserve contact information. Analyze and report results. This proposal answers critical water resources needs targeted to educational training and outreach programs about the importance of protecting and preserving watersheds and water resources. It also addresses a need emphasized in Advisory Council meetings for Guam Water Kids to be institutionalized into the Guam Department of Education (GDOE).