How will you celebrate International World Water Day this year?  

What does water mean to you?

Join the Champlain Basin Education Initiative this month to celebrate International World Water Day! This marks the 17th anniversary of the United Nations International World Water Day and people are finding creative ways to join together virtually to acknowledge the value of water in all our communities!

We welcome students, teachers, families, scientists and community partners to join our local, virtual celebration of the value of water to our community! Each year we host a student art show centered on the World Water Day theme. This year that theme is Valuing Water. What does water mean to you? 

We will be featuring our annual student art show and reception virtually this year!  Classes that submitted works of art will be featured in our virtual gallery for attendees to view.  We will celebrate the winners in several recognition categories with fun prizes!  

Our guest speaker, Neil Patterson of the Center for Native People in the Environment at SUNY’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry will speak on this year’s World Water Day theme--valuing water--through the lens of traditional ecological knowledge and multiple ways of knowing.

Teachers are encouraged to attend with their students as the reception is scheduled during the school day at 10am on Tuesday March 23rd.   

Register Here

Thanks to our Champlain Basin Education Initiative partners! You can learn more about the professional learning opportunities for teachers and resources CBEI offers in and outside the classroom at WatershED Matters. 

More Education Resources for World Water Day

Nebi: Abenaki Ways of Knowing Water

This film was created in an effort to share cultural history and knowledge with public and school audiences.  Working with chiefs and members of the Nulhegan, Missisquoi, and Elnu Bands of the Abenaki Nation, and Peregrine Productions, LLC, Lake Champlain Sea Grant and UVM Extension, are thrilled to share this short film.

Class activities from International World Water Day

The World Water Day website highlights global efforts--everything from fun runs to professional development opportunities, to social media campaigns, to art showcases like ours!  You can join the ongoing conversation about valuing water and learn more about working toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly #6 clean water and sanitation for all!  

Class resources from WatershED Matters

Many teachers have used the unique character of the Champlain Valley to create meaningful learning opportunities for their students.  If you have been within sight of the Lake and its drainage basin, you can easily grasp the significance it has held for residents for thousands of years. The Lake Champlain Basin is rich with many stories that can be explored and woven from and to traditional school subjects, school community partnerships, and meaningful service. 

Past Galleries of World Water Day Student Art

CBEI's World Water Day celebrations include an exhibit of entries into the International World Water Day contest. Students submit photos, artwork, maps, dioramas, and videos that address one of four past themes: Celebrate Water, Spread the Word, Citizen Science and Civic Action, and Act Locally-Think Locally.