Arizona Project WET Implements SWAP Program at Booth-Fickett School

Jan. 30, 2014

Arizona Project WET Implements SWAP Program at Booth-Fickett School

Booth-Fickett Science and Math Magnet School in Tucson is doing what no school has done before: It will implement Arizona Project WET’s School Water Audit Program (SWAP) by activating students at all grade levels.  On Jan. 25, 33 first- through eighth-grade teachers learned how to implement indoor and outdoor components of the SWAP and discussed how to interest and inspire students to act for the good of their school and community.

Prior to the workshop, 71 teachers attended a one-hour training focused on literacy with the Champions for Change book, which uses professional athletes' stories to incentivize students to take positive action in their communities. Post-workshop, those same 71 teachers participated in a one-hour training on the development and use of Google surveys and the use of Microsoft Excel to analyze and depict data.

“This is the sort of professional development opportunity that helps Booth-Fickett K-8 maintain its unique and rigorous curriculum focused on STEM education,” said Michael Konrad, Principal, Booth-Fickett K-8 Math & Science Magnet School. “Teachers were able to learn specific skills and tools, which will directly translate to helping students become not just better scientists but community advocates.”

In April and May, Booth-Fickett students will drive change in their community by swapping water waste for water efficiency at school and home. Older students will mentor younger students, and all students will bring water-efficient ideas home to their parents.

The University of Arizona and Arizona Cooperative Extension is out there in Arizona’s communities making a difference. This STEM Learning Project is a partnership of Arizona Project WET, Champions for Change and Tucson Water.
 

Teachers measure the amount of water in the catch cans around their sprinkler Teachers measure the amount of water collected from bathroom faucets in 5 seconds in a graduated cylinder

Teachers measure the amount of water in the catch cans around their sprinkler. They calculated distribution uniformity of the athletic field, part of an audit that irrigation specialists use in the real world.

Teachers measure the amount of water collected from bathroom faucets in 5 seconds in a graduated cylinder. They then calculated gallons of water per year used at bathroom faucets and installed water efficient aerators to quantify a water savings.