900 fifth graders descended on the 11th annual Tacoma-Pierce County Children’s Water Festival today, April 24, and learned how to become clean water ambassadors.
One of the most attention-grabbing learning opportunities featured Sean Sheldrake, Environmental Protection Agency’s Dive Unit leader, and his daughter, talking about why it’s important to protect Puget Sound. They revealed how underwater diving equipment can offer a magically different point-of-view of this aquatic world in our own backyard.
The Tacoma-Pierce County Public Health Department-sponsored festival makes learning fun for the civic leaders of tomorrow with hands-on presentations, learning laboratories and exhibits. The event will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Tacoma Public Schools Professional Development Center, 6501 North 23rd St.
This year’s learning opportunity themes are:
Water 4 Life—Designed to teach students about the role water plays between natural resources and all life. Key concepts will include: water quality, water conservation, drinking water, water cycle, wetlands, watersheds, and other water related topics.
Puget Sound Starts Here Campaign—Focused on preventing stormwater pollution and protecting or restoring clean surface water. Key concepts will include: proper pet waste disposal, natural yard care, preferred car washing methods and fixing leaky vehicles.
The Water Festival is an extension of educational programs offered by Tacoma Water, City of Tacoma, Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, Pierce County, and the Regional Water Association. Learn more at the water festival website.
For more about the EPA’s Scientific Dive Unit and their work to protect Puget Sound online.
