Project WET - Water Education Today (WET)

Young women learn how to assess the health of a stream as part of the STREAM Girls program, a partnership with Girl Scouts and Trout Unlimited.
Project WET Logo
 

Overview and Mission

"Project WET’s mission is to advance water education to understand global challenges and inspire local solutions."

Project WET is an international, interdisciplinary water science and education program for educators of all sorts - public and private school teachers, water resource professionals, youth club leaders and many others. In West Virginia, Project WET workshops are FREE and conducted throughout the state.

Project WET's curriculum was developed through a collaboration of teachers, scientists, and resource professionals. Project WET correlates with state and national standards of learning, and strongly supports STEM principles. Project WET believes that educators hold the key to empowering people to effect sustainable, positive change at the local level, for the benefit of all water users.

Hosted by WV DEP's Watershed Improvement Branch (WIB), the West Virginia Project WET Program addresses atmospheric water, surface water, groundwater, cultural and historic uses of water, and contemporary management issues such as stormwater and nonpoint source pollution.

Project WET makes water education fun, and helps educators meet their objectives in an innovative way. The activities are designed to complement existing curriculum rather than displace or add additional concepts to the classroom. Project WET activities are interdisciplinary, hands-on, and engaging to make water education fun for students and teachers.

Project WET staff will work with formal and informal educators in public and private schools and universities, preschool or day care workers, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and 4-H leaders, cities, local resource organizations, or individuals to plan and conduct a workshop when and where is most convenient for you.

Project WET Resources

Contact Us

Tomi Bergstrom
Project WET Program & Western Basin Coordinator

West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection
Watershed Improvement Branch
601 57th Street SE
Charleston, WV 25304
Phone: (304) 926-0499 x43862
Email: Tomi.M.Bergstrom@wv.gov

 



Project WET Program Components

Why Water Education?

Students work together on the Project WET activity, Aqua Bodies, to show what percent our bodies are made of water.

Water quality and quantity issues change as society changes. They are complex, create controversy, and impact our lives. To address crucial water issues we need people who think broadly and who understand systems, connections, patterns, and causes.

Educator Workshops

Workshop attendees participate in 'Water Quality? Ask the Bugs', an activity that simulates a bioassessment of a stream.

To receive some of Project WET's award-winning curriculum resources, you must attend a Project WET professional development workshop.

WV Water Festivals

Workshop attendees participate in 'Water Quality? Ask the Bugs', an activity that simulates a bioassessment of a stream.

Project WET celebrates the importance of water by partnering on water education events for West Virginia students. These statewide festivals are part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness of the critical need for water education.

Water Education Resources

Workshop attendees participate in 'Water Quality? Ask the Bugs', an activity that simulates a bioassessment of a stream.

Project WET has worked to build and offer Home and Distance Learning Resources for Pre-K through twelfth grade educators, water resource publications, and a free online interactive website with nine activities.



Project History

Rain Barrel Program

Rain barrel workshop presented at Captiol Market

A rain barrel is a rainwater collection system. Water is diverted into the barrel through a connection in the downspout. The rain collected can be used to water plants, wash cars, and more. This water often contains trace minerals which are highly beneficial to plants and come at a zero cost to consumers. Collecting rainwater can also help reduce stormwater runoff into streams via storm drains. Stormwater can carry pollution like pesticides, litter, bacteria, and fertilizers–reducing the amount that flows into local waterways can improve the health of those creeks, streams, and rivers.

Wild and Wonderful Water Science Fair

Water science fair judges, presenters, and staff

Fifth-grade classrooms in Kanawha County were invited to present water science projects at the inaugural "Wild & Wonderful Water Science Fair" on Monday, Feb. 17, 2020 in Charleston.

The fair was a partnership between the WVDEP's Project WET program and the City of Charleston's Stormwater program. Other partners included West Virginia State University's Extension Office, the West Virginia Division of Forestry, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, West Virginia American Water, and the WVDEP's Youth Environmental Program and Environmental Advocate Office.

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