The Tuolumne River Trust is offering a free presentation called "That's the Tuolumne in My Tap!" to 4th and 5th grade classes in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties - areas that get a major portion of their tap water from the Tuolumne River. Click here for more info
The presentation introduces students to the source of their tap water in hopes of fostering interest in water conservation and good stewardship of natural resources. A slideshow takes the class on a tour of the Tuolumne River, highlighting the wildlife it supports, a bit of history of the Hetch-Hetchy water system, and an overview of some current threats to the river. This is followed by a lively discussion about all the ways we use water, and how we can conserve it in order to protect the River.
Schedule a Presentation If you have questions or are interested in scheduling a presentation, please contact Jessie Raeder at jessie@tuolumne.org or 415-882-7252 ext. 301.
Volunteer The Trust will train volunteers who are interested in presenting this program to 4th and 5th grade classes around the Bay Area. Interested volunteers must enjoy working with kids and be available for at least 4 weekday school visits during the school year. Please contact Jessie Raeder for more information: jessie@tuolumne.org or 415-882-7252 ext. 301.
Teachers! See links below for recommended homework assignments and other follow-up materials.
Suggested Follow Up Activities for "That's the Tuolumne In My Tap" Presentation Click Here for Suggested Follow Up Activities Water Conservation Tips for Kids Click here for factsheet Teachers are encouraged to print and distribute this factsheet for kids to take home as they think about how to conserve water in their own lives.
Assignment #1: Home Water Audit - Click here for Home Water Audit assignment Students estimate the amount of water their household uses in a week. Assignment includes thinking about all the different ways water is used at home, data collection, estimation, and multiplication/addition. Students will also learn about different types of low-flow fixture options.
Assignment #2: Letter to the Editor Click here for Letter to the Editor instructions and assignment Students can practice good citizenship and advocacy by writing letters to the editor of their local paper. Letters might include information about the Tuolumne River, student's ideas for conserving water in their community (including rebate programs), or information about the fish and other wildlife with whom we share our water source. Letters to the Editor can also be sent to the City Council, to show support for water conservation.
Assignment #3: School Water Audit - Click here for sample School Water Audit - courtesy of Western Water A school water audit makes for a great group project. Students start by investigating and learning about the many ways that their school uses water. The class can split up into teams with different assignments such as investigating how much water the school uses for irrigation or inspecting for leaky faucets. Then the class can come together to brain-storm suggestions for how the school might reduce it's water use, and go on to present those suggestions to the administration.
