The Winter California Project WET Gazette highlights examples of how Project WET activities can be used to engage students in current California water issues.

This edition also explores a debate among educators over the setup of Project WET activities, namely: Should teachers front-load students with questions and background on the natural phenomenon in advance of the activity?

You can also read about ways to integrate local issues and news stories into Project WET activities – and view all upcoming workshops and grant opportunities.

Upcoming Project WET workshops:​

• Kern County, Jan. 18, at the Kern County Water Agency, Improvement District No. 4 in Bakersfield: Educators will walk away with teaching kits for activities that are hands-on, STEM-friendly and interdisciplinary. Learn more.
• Contra Costa County, Jan. 20, at the Bollman Water Treatment Plant in Concord: An exploration of water, Earth systems and human interactions with the environment in Contra Costa County. Learn more.
• Shasta County, Mar. 16, at the Shasta COE Professional Developmental Center in Redding: A fun, hands-on experience on how to teach children about water for preschool, TK, & kindergarten teachers. Learn more.
• Summer 2024, in forested locations in California: The California Society of American Foresters and partners invite California K-12 educators to join us for a week to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate interrelationship of forest ecosystems and how they influence our everyday lives. Learn more.

Reminder: New Project WET guides will be available this year. Come 2025, the current Project WET Guide 2.0 will no longer be available. Please pass the word to your colleagues who might be interested in getting copies of either version.

Hope you have a wonderful winter season!  – Brian