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Rowland Water District has put together a variety of virtual education programs for the area schools to engage teachers and students with creative water activities, innovative curriculum, and virtual classroom field trips. The District has spent the last several months coordinating the effort in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
“We have had to adapt rapidly and change course. But thanks to the Zoom conferencing technology, we are able to offer online, compelling instruction that brings the classroom into the home,” says Brittnie Van De Car, Public Affairs Representative for Rowland Water District. “Even our conservation book “The Wonderful World of Water” is now a virtual read-along that kids participate with in a digital format.”
Due to the statewide stay at home orders and online only schooling, area schools are unable to participate in person in the Mini Solar Challenge, which launched last year as a partner to large-scale regional solar-powered boat competitions. That event has now evolved into a virtual Mini Science Challenge, with 15 area classrooms and 500 4th-6th grade students participating. Beginning in November, students will be faced with a new challenge each month, such as finding a way to clean dirty sink water with household items. They will also join in a two month at-home water audit, where water usage from a winter month is compared to that of a spring month.
Additionally, while students are unable to participate in on-site field trips, Rowland Water has created a virtual treatment plant tour for 4th-6th grade students, where they can learn more about where their water comes from, how it is treated, and how it gets to their school drinking fountains and homes.
Teachers who participate in the Mini Science Challenge will receive a one year PRO subscription to Powtoon a video creation platform that teachers and students can utilize to maximize their classroom presentations. Feedback from teachers, students, and parents concerning these virtual education programs has been overwhelmingly positive thus far.
“Rowland Water’s commitment to education is about partnering with our customers and families, and without those critical connections, we would not see the level of participation and engagement from our students during this unprecedented time,” says Rowland Water General Manager Tom Coleman. “We want all of our customers to know that we are here for them, now more than ever.”
For more information about Rowland Water District’s virtual educational programs visit www.rowlandwater.com.
