OWEP is the state sponsor for National Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) in Ohio. Project WET is a national program that is grounded in the belief that informed people are more likely to participate in the decision making process and to make a difference through their actions. Project WET believes that the development of a water ethic should begin at an early age and that children benefit from parents, educators and mentors who recognize not only the scientific but also the social and cultural aspects of water.
The core of the program is the Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide. The guide, for kindergarten through twelfth grades, is a collection of water-related activities that are hands-on, easy to use, and fun! The 90+ activities incorporate a variety of formats, such as large and small group learning, whole-body activities, laboratory investigations, discussion of local and global topics and involvement in community service projects. Supplementary resources are available which complement and enrich many of the activities.
Project WET's curriculum is based upon sound educational theories. The framework of this curriculum contains the following elements:
CONCEPTUAL (Concepts necessary to understand water)
- Water has unique physical and chemical characteristics
- Water is essential for all life to exist
- Water connects all earth systems
- Water is a natural resource
- Water resources are managed
- Water resources exist within social constructs
- Water resources exist within cultural contexts
AFFECTIVE (People's expressions of and their relationship with water)
- People's awareness of and sensitivity toward water and water-related concepts and issues
- People's attitudes toward water and water-related concepts and issues
- People's values toward water and water-related concepts and issues
- People's behavior toward and expression of water and water-related concepts and issues
SKILLS (Include thinking, problem solving, decision making, communication)
- Gathering information
- Organizing information
- Analyzing information
- Interpreting information
- Applying learned information
- Evaluating application of learned information
- Presenting evidence of learning from application and evaluation processes
Dissemination of National Project WET materials in Ohio is patterned after two other successful environmental education programs, Project WILD and Project Learning Tree. Leadership workshops are held on a regional basis followed by teacher workshops at the local level. Water resource professionals at the local level help to provide technical assistance to educators in their area.
HOW can organizations, agencies and individuals support OWEP?
Government agencies, corporations, civic organizations and individuals interested in OWEP can provide support in several different ways.
Financial Support
Donations to OWEP can be made through the Water Resources Foundation of Ohio, a non-profit foundation affiliated with the Water Management Association of Ohio. Questions on financial donations should be addressed to:
Kurt Rinehart
Water Resources Foundation of Ohio
c/o Miami Conservancy
38 East Monument Avenue
Dayton, Ohio, 45402-1265
Voice: 937-223-1271
FAX: 937-223-4730
e-mail: krinehart@conservancy.com
In-Kind Services
Individuals, organization, agencies and corporations can provide in-kind services such as printing, mailing or purchase of materials and resources. Questions on how to donate in-kind services should be addressed to the OWEP Manager.
Materials and Resources
Donations of water education materials and other resources can be made to the Water Education Center. Questions on donations should be addressed to the OWEP Manager.
Information and Networking
Individuals and organizations may also support OWEP by supplying information on other water education programs, materials, resources and people.
In addition, anyone interested in water education is encouraged to join the OWEP network by filling out a Contact Information Sheet(Please print out a copy and send in!). Their name, expertise and interests will be added to the database for future reference and referral.
Questions and Additional Information
Questions about OWEP as well as additional information on how you can get involved should be addressed to:
OHIO WATER EDUCATION PROGRAM MANAGER
c/o Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Division of Water
2045 Morse Road, Bldg. B
Columbus, Ohio 43229-6693
Voice 614-265-6758
FAX 614-447-9503
leonard.black@dnr.state.oh.us