New 4th Grade Classroom Program

For those of you who have used the CCWD programs over the years you know we are constantly tweaking what we do. This year the 4th grade program underwent some significant changes to make it more relevant, comprehensive and enjoyable for the students.

The classroom program starts out with a video, "Fountains of Columbia," to be viewed ahead of time which sets the stage for the complicated role water plays in California. When the CCWD instructor shows up in the classroom several activities take place including "Pass the Jug" where students build a town with a limited water supply, map work to include locating important water features on relief maps and plotting rainfall illustrating the disparity between where the water is and where it is needed, and then wraps up with a discussion on the importance of water conservation in these parched times.

CCWD Mini-Grant Program

Already two schools have been awarded grant funding for water related classroom projects. 3rd & 4th grade teachers at Vintage Parkway School in Oakley were awarded $1,000 for books and materials for a collaborative project exploring plant and animal adaptations specific to the Delta Wetlands region. The 10th grade at Wood Rose College Prep in Concord was awarded $500 for compost and a 500 gallon water storage unit for a vegetable garden with rainwater storage irrigation.

There are still funds available for this school year. The application is very easy and is available at www.ccwater.com/education . The grants can be used for classroom materials, supporting a field trip, teacher development, classroom videos, school gardens - use your imagination, as long as it is related to water and you can show how your students will benefit.