CONNECTED BY WATER IN THE COMOX VALLEY: “Together we are creating this legacy of acting together to ensure the health and long-term viability of our communities through using our drinking water wisely, and protecting the source of our drinking water,” stated Christina (Tina) Willard-Stepan, Facilitator and Environmental Educator for the Comox Valley Regional District and a panel member for the Blue Ecology Virtual Seminar on January 20, 2022
NOTE TO READER:
Over a 2- hour period, the Blue Ecology Virtual Seminar is structured in three parts: 1) a set of context presentations by a 4-person panel; 2) a conversation among the four panelists; and 3) audience questions to the panel. Christina (Tina) Willard-Stepan will speak to Comox Valley experience in delivering watershed education for youth.
The seminar is an evening event, beginning at 7PM and concluding at 9PM on January 20, 2022. The seminar will be delivered through a combination of Zoom and YouTube to create a legacy resource.
Connected by Water in the Comox Valley
“The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) has developed teaching materials to support students in learning about their connections to the Comox Lake watershed, learning what makes a watershed healthy, and learning how to conserve water by using it efficiently at home,” stated Christina (Tina) Willard-Stepan, Facilitator and Environmental Educator for the Connected by Water program.
“The resources are informed by the Watershed Protection Plan, and the Connected by Water project vision, all within the framework of the British Columbia Ministry of Education Curriculum. They are designed to support answering the driving question: What allows me to have safe water that I can drink?”
School District 71 teachers are introduced to the teaching resource during a ‘Watershed 101” Professional Development session while paddling the Comox Lake Watershed on Voyageur Canoes.
“Connected by Water inquiry units are available for primary (Grades K-3), intermediate grades (Grades 4-7), and high school (Grades 8-9). Inquiry Units can be used in their entirety, or each activity can stand alone and lead to exploration of further inquiry.”
“They include a very robust list of additional links and resources connecting educators and learners to many ideas and projects in the community, including options for field trips. Classes integrate the unit while their school is working on social themes such as sustainability, Earth Day, or social responsibility.”
“Educators provided feedback and tested the materials. The Comox Valley Regional District provided funding and project direction. Public education, as well as training for educators and recreation leaders are also a part of this project – ensuring a legacy of this information moves out into the community and beyond the life of this project.”
“Together we are creating this legacy of acting together to ensure the health and long-term viability of our communities through using our drinking water wisely, and protecting the source of our drinking water,” concluded Christina (Tina) Willard-Stepan.
Intermediate students at Queneesh Elementary in the Comox Valley draw their interpretations of how clean drinking water gets to them in their homes.
To Learn More:
Visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/watershed/teacherresources
Click on the image below and download a copy of the Program Brochure for the Blue Ecology Virtual Seminar.
TO REGISTER: Go to https://www.civicinfo.bc.ca/event/2021/Blue-Ecology-Seminar.