Ecole Canadienne de Tunis

Musée des Eaux – Engaging Communities with Water Conservation

Tunis, Tunisia

3rd FUNDING CALL

Water is the foundation of life, yet its conservation remains one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time. Musée des Eaux, an innovative school project, aims to transform the way students and the wider community engage with water literacy. By establishing a permanent interactive water museum, this initiative will offer hands-on experiences, scientific research, and artistic expression to inspire environmental stewardship. Through data collection, creative exhibitions, and digital resources, the project will not only educate but also empower students to take an active role in protecting freshwater ecosystems.

Objectives

The Musée des Eaux project is designed with clear, measurable goals to maximize its educational and environmental impact:

1. Create a Permanent Water Museum
   A dedicated space within the school will serve as an interactive educational hub, featuring hands-on exhibits, real-time water quality data, and immersive displays on aquatic ecosystems.
   
2. Engage Students in Water Conservation and Scientific Research
   Students will collect and analyze water samples, study biodiversity, and present their findings through interactive exhibits, fostering scientific inquiry and problem-solving skills.
   
3. Raise Awareness Through Educational and Artistic Initiatives
   Interdisciplinary learning tools—including workshops, art installations, and digital content—will creatively communicate the importance of freshwater ecosystems.
   
4. Develop a Digital Platform for Water Literacy
   An open-access online platform will provide data visualization, conservation resources, and virtual exhibits, extending the project’s reach beyond the school.
   
5. Promote Community Involvement and Long-Term Sustainability
   The museum will act as a permanent community resource, engaging local schools, environmental organizations, and the public in ongoing conservation efforts.
   

Activities and Collaborations

To bring Musée des Eaux to life, students, teachers, and experts will collaborate through a structured series of activities:

1. Museum Exhibit Creation (Months 1-3)

Students will design and install interactive exhibits showcasing the water cycle, pollution impacts, and conservation strategies. They will work with museum experts and local artists to create visually compelling displays, including touchscreens, water flow models, and multimedia installations.

2. Water Quality Monitoring and Data Collection (Months 4-6)

Equipped with water testing kits, students will analyze local rivers, lakes, and streams for key indicators like pH, turbidity, and biodiversity. Findings will be showcased in the museum, offering real-time data and fostering citizen science engagement.

3. Water Conservation Workshops and Awareness Campaigns (Months 5-7)

Experts from environmental NGOs will lead workshops on water scarcity, pollution, and conservation techniques. Students will launch awareness campaigns, encouraging sustainable water use in their homes and communities.

4. Art and Creative Expression on Water (Months 6-8)

Students will collaborate with local artists to create water-inspired sculptures, murals, and digital media, using recycled materials to highlight conservation themes. These works will be displayed in the museum and in public spaces.

5. Digital Platform for Water Data and Education (Months 7-9)

An interactive website and app will host water quality data, conservation guides, and virtual museum exhibits. Students will contribute by developing educational videos and interactive maps.

6. Citizen Science Projects (Months 10-11)

Students and community members will engage in research projects, tracking environmental changes and contributing to regional and global water conservation efforts.

7. Public Exhibition and Community Engagement (Month 11)

The project will culminate in a school-wide exhibition, showcasing student-led research, art installations, and conservation campaigns. Government officials, NGOs, and local businesses will be invited to foster broader collaboration.

8. Sustainability and Knowledge Sharing (Ongoing)

To ensure the museum’s long-term impact, the project will develop a sustainability plan, including continued water monitoring, museum updates, and resource sharing with other schools.

Outputs and Impact

The Musée des Eaux project will generate valuable educational and environmental outputs, benefiting both students and the wider community.

Key Outputs:

• Educational Materials: Water testing kits, conservation guides, and lesson plans for schools.
• Scientific Data: Long-term water quality records contributing to global conservation databases.
• Artistic and Creative Works: Sculptures, murals, and multimedia projects advocating for water conservation.
• Digital Resources: A water literacy website, virtual exhibits, and interactive learning tools.
• Permanent Museum Infrastructure: Interactive installations, a water analysis lab, and real-time data displays.

Expected Impact:

• Enhanced Water Literacy: Students and the community will develop a deeper understanding of freshwater ecosystems and conservation strategies.
• Active Student Participation: Through hands-on science and art, students will transition from learners to environmental ambassadors.
• Community Engagement: By involving local residents and organizations, the project will inspire collective action on water conservation.
• Scientific Contributions: Student-collected data will support regional and global water monitoring initiatives.

Long-Term Sustainability: The museum will remain a permanent educational resource, fostering continuous learning and environmental awareness.