BOARD02511

• Board Meeting Date: 11/20/2000
• Description: Education Initiative Updates
• Board Meetings - Doc Type: Memo

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Geode Eanb Edacmlnallesoan:es
2301 W. 'emllllvenne
CI'lradl Sprfllgs, CI 80904
.bane: 17191633-2301
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: eartbedncat8rs@aoLcem

JulY 11, 2000

Conc8Pts for Inclusion of Waters Wavs in Colorado Water Conservation Board Project
From: Judith Daley, Gentle Earth Educaticl1al Resources
To: Tom Cech, Central Colorado Water Conservancy District

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1 am so honored to have Water's Ways considered for inclusion in this project. These
materials were carefully developed to match national/Colorado educational standards, the
logistical needs of classroom teachers and the interest levels of students. They represent so
much time and effort from so many people including teachers, science administrators, water
department personnel and experts in the field of weather, conservation, pollution, natural and
cultural history and the arts,
We've shared our belief that children must learn generally about water and its meaning
to their lives and communities before they can become protectors and conservators_ Our
experience shows that Water's Ways teaches children to love and honor water as the priceless
resource it is_
I'd be happy to come up and present the kits to your decision making board if you would
like. 111 be in Colorado until about August 5 and will return about September 5.
I've outlined below a very general proposal. based on a budget of about $25,000 and
following the guidelines you've described. 1 understand that decisions made once your
coordinator and steer.ng committee meet may effect this proposal and will be happy to make any
necessary changes.
'This proposal is based on supplying only one part of the Water's Ways cunicul1ll1l. the
Watershed Kit, which is tailored to 4'" grade use, primarily because of its emphasis on the
history of water in Colorado, Universally, Colorado history is taught at the 4'" grade level. 1 have
not included the cost of also providing the Water Cycle kit. geared to 3m grade instruction since I
understand your grant to be particular to 4'" and 5'h grade materials. You might take a look at the
third grade materials, particularly the unit on People and Water.
There is a strong argument for classroom materials at the 3m/4'" grade level as many
urban water departments provide Water Festivals or Clinics at the 5th grade level. With
materials at 3m and 4th grade level. the children are ready for the more complex materials
presented at the festivals/clinics,
I am assuming your coordinator will identify participating teachers/schools and interface
with them for the duration of the project. My interaction with the teachers will consist of a
training session at the beginning of the project

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