Are you seeking a captivating and informative way to introduce your elementary students to the wonders of water conservation and Texas' natural resources?
Look no further than the Major Rivers program.
Finding innovative ways to help children learn is always a high priority for Texas teachers. Teaching our young people about water is more important than ever as Texas' population is anticipated to increase 73% between 2020 and 2070, from 29.7 million to 51.5 million, putting a strain on our water resources, according to the 2022 State Water Plan.
"Because the existing water supply is not enough to meet the future demand for water during times of drought, Texas would need 6.9 million acre-feet of additional water supplies, including in the form of water savings through conservation, to meet the demand for water in 2070." – State Water Plan
Educating our youth is a great step toward ensuring the state's future water supply. Originally launched by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) in 1989, the Major Rivers program was modified in 2003 into a statewide version that integrates water planning, conservation, internet resources, and historical stories about Texas river basins.
This engaging program follows Major Rivers, a Texas Ranger-styled character, as he and his trusty horse, Aquifer, lead students on a virtual journey across the Lone Star State. As they follow the trek, students learn about how water is treated, transported, and used while they discover the importance of water conservation.
The Major Rivers program offers an engaging experience for teachers and students. It provides a wealth of resources, including student workbooks, worksheets, colorful handouts, and more. These materials are carefully designed to complement the Texas Education Agency's TEKS objectives for social studies, science, language arts, and math, ensuring that students are learning valuable information aligned with their academic goals.
One of the most captivating aspects of the Major Rivers program is its ability to bring the abstract concept of water conservation to life. Through interactive activities and engaging storytelling, students will develop a deeper understanding of the complex processes involved in water treatment and distribution. They will also learn about the challenges faced by Texas communities in ensuring a sustainable water supply for future generations.
It's not just about learning facts; Major Rivers helps kids understand that water is really important and how it's connected to everything we do. By exploring this connection, they'll learn to appreciate and protect our planet's precious resources.
Through this program, students will:
- Identify the various steps in the water cycle.
- Identify basic facts about the water supply in Texas, including regional differences in rainfall, the amount of water supplied by surface water and by groundwater, and learn about the state's major rivers and aquifers.
- Understand the importance of water planning and identify water management strategies used to ensure adequate water supply.
- Understand the concepts of river basins and watersheds.
- Identify various uses of water, including municipal, agricultural, industrial, recreational, and electric generation.
- Differentiate between point source and nonpoint source pollution.
- Identify the steps and processes of the water distribution system in Texas - wells and reservoirs, pipelines, water and wastewater treatment plants, septic systems, and recycled water.
Want to bring Major Rivers into your classroom?
The program is available through the Texas Water Development Board's website. If, however, you would still like to order printed, full-color versions of the student workbooks and home leaflets, you may do so by using the order form here.
For more information, contact TWDB's Water Education Specialist at consedu@twdb.texas.gov or 512-463-0987.
Discover the exciting world of water conservation with Major Rivers.