Do you like to camp under the stars? Love to study a wide range of natural sciences and related topics? Do you prefer informal field situations to indoor formal environments? Do you like to share your interests with other professionals? WATERNET may be for you! A consortium of environmentally-concerned professionals in the field of education and the resources management agencies is forming a working network to develop relevant curricula.
Our connections with the Resources Conservation Districts (RCD's) in California will make possible exchanges of information between teachers, farmers and resource managers. This interdisciplinary group will assist participants in developing a well-rounded concept of where we are.
WATERNET will continue year-round assisting teacher and curriculum decision makers (and policy makers) in updating their curriculum and enhancing these lessons with low-cost resource-based activities.
RCD's, management agencies and conservation groups all have education missions (as does the WMC -ed), but may lack viable methods to carry that message. WATERNET has the capability to make video and audio productions for use on Public Radio and Cable TV networks. Eventually, WATERNET hopes to tie together the participating school districts through telecommunications, making possible the simultaneous sharing of weather data, water quality and other information that would help enhance the teaching of conservation and science topics.
Each summer from now on, WATERNET will organize a Summer Expedition to study first-hand the natural resources of the Western States. Already, a small but dedicated group is planning the Summer '90 Expedition for mid-August. The general plan is a roughly circular path, from the coast to the crest, looking at the water, power and natural resources of the Joaquin-Sacramento watershed. Enroute, the Expedition will camp a various facilities with an eye toward keeping expenses to a minimum. While in the field, experts from a wide range of agencies and non-government groups will drop in on our day or night meetings to share their expertise and insights.
Because WATERNET is focusing on resources, physical measurements of many variables will be made whenever possible. Soil, rock, plant and animal sample collected in the field will be discussed and studied in the field lab setting. Each participant will be able to enhance their teaching materials and specimens.
Beginning in late April, WATERNET will start recruiting participants at the ESSA (Elementary School Science Association) conference in Orinda. We will be looking for teachers at all levels and with all specialties. Our hope is that by integrating the curricular areas around the resource conservation theme, these materials will quickly find their way into the public and private school course offerings.
Does this approach appeal to your living-learning style? Get in touch with Don Nuccio for updates on WATERNET and the EXPEDITION '90. A mailing list for the WATERNET newsletter is developing. Space may be limited (at campgrounds, etc.) so don't wait to get involved. You can reach Don at 209/957-3176 most evenings, and at 209/944-4579 between 8:30 and 9:30 mornings at school in Stockton.
