Escola Doctor Alberich i Casas

Where does the water come from? Water doesn’t fall from the sky

Reus, Spain

2nd FUNDING CALL

This project focuses on engaging and mobilizing the educational community of Reus, Spain, especially children between the ages of 3 and 12, to explore sustainability through the lens of freshwater ecosystems. Despite being an inland region, Reus has a rich water network, making it an ideal setting for students to study water sources, freshwater biodiversity, and sustainability.

Building Connections and Resources

One of the main goals is to establish strong links between research centers and classrooms. By collaborating with entities like GEPEC, The Good Karma, and the Research Group “Environmental and Sustainability Participatory Information Systems (EMBIMOS)” of ICM-CSIC, the project aims to integrate scientific knowledge into school activities. Additionally, innovative educational resources, including those related to citizen science, will be created and promoted.

Project Phases

1. Initial Phase (Aug. 24 – Sept. 24)
   • Form alliances with educational and environmental entities.
   • Train the educational team and disseminate the project to the community.
2. Development Phase (Oct. 24 – Mar. 25)
   • Engage students in workshops, research, and data collection.
   • Involve families and the educational community in conservation efforts.
3. Final Phase (Apr. 25 – Jul. 25)
   • Promote results through open days, fairs, and online platforms.
   • Publish and disseminate educational materials.

Key Activities

Teacher Training and Visits: Initial and ongoing training sessions for 40 teachers, with visits to local water facilities, environmental education centers, and reference entities.

Student Research and Fieldwork: Children will engage in citizen science activities by collecting data and observing their local water environment, such as the Roquís and Pedret ravines. They will learn about water conservation by visiting a water treatment plant and studying local water management practices.

Community Involvement: Students will collaborate with local water experts and environmental organizations like “The Good Karma” and GEPEC-EdC to carry out their research and share their findings with the broader community. Families are invited to participate in hands-on activities, such as cleaning local water sources and creating exhibitions on water management.

Creative Output: The students will create posters, presentations, and social media campaigns to raise awareness about water sustainability.

Community Engagement

Local experts, environmentalists, and families will work alongside the students, contributing to the development of sustainable solutions for freshwater conservation. The project also aims to spark conversations around water governance and climate action by collaborating with organizations like the Catalan Water Agency and the Department of Climate Action.

By connecting scientific research with school activities, this project not only enhances students’ understanding of water ecosystems but also strengthens community ties. The school aims to become a reference point for environmental education in the region, hoping to integrate these practices into the local culture for the long term.