What does it mean? Why is it important? What can we do to help? These are all questions we are working on with our troop this week and ensuring that they are well prepared to understand just how valuable of a resource water is. In celebration of World Thinking Day, we started learning about the impacts water has on the world. We chose several countries that are experiencing water scarcity and had girls then make a food from that country. How we tied this into water conservation was to go back through the dishes we made and talk about how water relates to food. Without water we don’t have crops for vegetables or grain. Without water we would not be able to feed our animals to ensure there is meat and produce. So, as we began to look at how water impacted our food and just how much water it takes to create food we started talking about where water comes from.
To show just where water comes from and how it is distributed, we discussed the water cycle and created a water shed. The water shed showed how different terrains would mean more water while in other areas it would be left with minimal water. We started talking about how in some areas of the water shed we had lots of water and if you lived in that area, you would have a good supply. In other areas where it was dry, we began to discuss how that might look for people who live there and how they could get water. This brought us to talking a little bit about how other countries who are scarce in water get their water including filling jugs and using all that is in that jug to get through their whole day. In doing so the girls began to realize just how much water they used in one given day. Examples from washing their clothes, washing their dishes, brushing their teeth, or taking a shower. They started to see how we use a large amount of water in the day and if we were limited to only 1 jug per day it might become difficult to get all the things done, we do in a day.
We next began to explain while some areas are dry and others plentiful in water that there is only so much water on the planet and even less that we can use. We did a demonstration that showed all the water in the world including sea water. We measured out what ratio of that water would be considered fresh water or water we could drink and or use. Girls were shocked at how little water was in the jar in comparison to the remaining water that sat in the larger container and represented salt water on the earth. We then told them that not all the fresh water can be used. Dumbfounded the girls looked and began to wonder why and even asked why can’t we use it? As leaders we went on to ask if anyone knew what an iceberg was? I then also asked can we drink frozen water? A big resounding no came about and so we went on to explain that much of this fresh water is trapped deep underground where we can’t see, and another good portion is frozen. So, we poured out water again to represent what part of that fresh water was accessible. Looking at the water the girls noted this was even less than the overall fresh water and began to look and say well that’s not very much water. As the girls started to be engaged into how little water there was, I asked them can we drink dirty water? What if the water has sand and dirt in it? The girls’ eyes began to widen and respond reservedly “no”, as they knew what was to come. Again, we divided the water and showed a few drops left for what was clean, fresh, and usable. Our brownies began to compare the large container of “salt” water to the “trapped frozen” water to the “dirty” water to what was left of “fresh” usable water. The girls saw that there was not a ton of water to be had and as this hit home with the girls.
We asked what are ways we love water? Some said they loved to swim, and some said they liked sprinklers, I asked if they like to paint. I asked do we rinse our brushes after we paint. What happens when our clothes are dirty? As the girls listened, I began to change our mind set and ask in what ways do we waste water? We chatted a little about leaving faucets running or using the toilet to flush garbage. As we discussed this, we began asking in what ways we can save water and moved on to making posters to save water. This all led into our following meeting and the start of our Wonder of Water journey.
In our follow up meeting as we investigate loving water, saving, and protecting our most valuable resource, we got creative joining the Planet Protector Academy. Each of the girls received 3 superhero missions, we ask that they focus on some key fundamentals of water conservation. To start off each girl was given a blue cape and a blue mask.
They were asked to design their water saving logo utilizing felt and fabric markers. We then showed them the superhero pose and explained that in standing in this pose they can be confident to make a difference with water conservation. Each of their logos were applied to their superhero capes and we began to take on important missions to save and protect our water.
Our very first mission to start off was “Operation taps off” this mission show’s girls the importance of monitoring how much we are running our taps. Girls are encouraged to take shorter showers, turn off water when not in use, and to check for leaky faucets. They all started a log to keep track and to add into a report over the course of 2 weeks. Girls were then divided into 2 teams they picked their team names based on elements. Team Earth Rangers and Team Tsunami Waters. We played a game show that discusses not only ways to save water, but where water comes from. Each team was able to gain points for their knowledge and as they complete their mission and log their water conservation efforts their team will contribute more points to their totals. As a part of Operation Taps Off girls virtually met Anishinaabe Elder Josephine Mandamine who walked around the Great Lakes, inspiring millions to care for water. They learned how important it is to inspire people to save and protect water.
By focusing on ways, we too can protector water Girls began “Operation save and protect water”. This mission first shows how we can filter water. Starting off by showing the cycle of water through evaporation and how dirty water can be cleaned through water filtration. This helped to create the value of water and why we want to protect it, so we have clean water to drink and use. How do we save and protect water? While looking at this we virtually visited a farm in southern Belize where Indigenous farmers have natural ways to keep their streams and rivers clean.
While connecting to natural resources girls are encouraged to make posters to share throughout the community. These posters were aimed at showing ways to save water and to avoid pollution. The girls pledged to protect water through avoiding pollution such as littering, throwing harsh chemicals down drains, and pledging to use biodegradable safe soaps. They were also able to look at what a filter system looks like. Peeking at the materials used such as sand, charcoal, rocks, and a filter. They touched each of the items. We will save a demonstration for as we are out in nature as the weather warms. Each girl received their own mini version of a filter in the form of a life straw. They will be able to use these straws out in nature during our Duluth trip in June. They can also keep them as apart of their survival kits. We lastly visited a video on what pollution does to animals both on land and in the sea and why it is incredibly important to protect our wildlife. This goes into recycling and avoiding pollution.
As a part of this mission, we visited Sea quest and learned about marine life in our oceans across the planet. In this underwater visit girls took a firsthand look at various fish species that call sea quest home. They were able to feed various fish and learn a little about where they live in the wild, how they hunt, and even how they sleep. While also looking at how neat these animals are girls will also look at the impact’s pollution has on our lakes, rivers. Streams, and oceans. In a pledge to keep our local lakes, streams, and rivers clean each girl signed up to adopt a drain. Their mission will be to clean drains from debris once a month and record their cleanouts over the course of one year. With our commitment to better water conservation efforts in our area, each of these girls are working hard to spread the word, stop pollution in our water ways, and make a difference in our community.
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