Make a Splash Water Fest 2021

Our 4th annual Make a Splash Water Fest for Wolfe County 6th graders was, you guessed it, a little different this year due to COVID restrictions. But it didn’t stop us from re-figuring in order to bring Wolfe County students fun, engaging, environmental educational programming to learn about water quality. We all have an effect on the land and water we are surrounded by though those practical lessons are not always taught/re-iterated. Students went away from the event with knowledge in the following:
What is a watershed?

• An area of land that collects and drains all precipitation, both surface water and groundwater, to a common outlet such as a stream, river, or lake.

To Flush or Not To Flush?

• 1-ply toilet paper – yes!
• 2-ply toilet paper – yes!
• Flushable wipes – no!
• Cotton balls (including feminine products) – no!
• Floss – no!
• Trash – no!
• Medication – no!

Recycling Relay Game

• Students learned that recycling helps to reduce the waste that goes to landfills and can be recycled into new materials
• Not all materials are created equal! Check for the recycling symbol and number on the bottom.
• Check with your recycling center for a list of materials they CAN recycle.
• Items cannot be recycled if they are covered in food!
  • Plastic 1-2 – most places DO recycle
  • Plastic 3 and up – most places DO NOT recycle
  • Paper – yes!
  • Cardboard – yes!
  • Styrofoam – no!
  • Glass – yes!
  • Plastic bags – no!
  • Batteries – no!

Incredible Journey (of a water droplet)

• Students become water droplets and through an interactive game they simulate the movement of water through earth’s systems: ocean, clouds, lakes, rivers, soil, animals, plants, groundwater, glaciers.

Enviroscape
Stormwater runoff takes pollution into our streams, rivers, and lakes. What are some ways we can reduce pollution in our waterways?

• Plant native trees and plants along waterways
• Fence waterways to keep livestock from entering
• Use fertilizer and insecticide responsibly – add the appropriate amount and do it away from a rain event
• Pick up pet waste
• Repair/replace failing septic systems
• Keep your vehicles maintained properly so it doesn’t leak
• Don’t litter
• Don’t dump anything in storm drains
• Add wetlands or bioswale gardens to property​