Discover new ways to protect the Great Lakes
Blue Schools fosters a deeper appreciation for water resource use, management and protection through direct, hands-on learning.
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Join a class:
Why participate?
Blue Schools is a free, STEM-based program that results in measurable water conseravtaion outcomes. You and your students will gain ad epep understanding of how water is used at your school by conducting a water audit. You will use this knowledge to develop and implement actions to reduce water consumption at your school and improve the health of your local aquatic ecosystem. Working alongside Toronto Zoo staff every steo of the way, you can continue to grow your Blue Schools experience each year. Key program highlights include:
Developed, tested, and managed by Ontario Certified Teachers
STEM-based and cross-curricular content
Supports multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Toronto Zoo staff support throughout the life of the program
Access to free online program resources (water calcultaor, action plan templates, activity plans, etc.)
Support provided to implement in-school water conseravation initiatives (ex: water bottle refill stations, dual flush valves, rain barrels, etc.)
How it works
STEP 1
Collect
Collect water usage data with your students via hands on activity
STEP 2
Analyze
Use the online calculator to see how much water is being used in your school
STEP 3
Action Plan
Develop an action plan to address areas with excessive water usage
STEP 4
Implement
Discuss and carry out action plan in your school.
Activity based water audit programs
The Blue Schools program is structured as a series of activities that are completed in sequence throughout the school year to: introduce the water audit process, complete a water audit in the school, analyze the data collected, prepare an action plan for water conservation in the school and finally, implement the action plan and measure success.
What teachers say about Blue Schools
As a group we looked at the amount of water we used. I liked the various charts you were able to use to show water usage in the school.
The students also explained the project to our school Superintendent of Education and our school trustee. They were very impressed with the outcome. Our trustee tweeted about her visit. Students hosted a bake sale and raised $270 to be donated to a first nations community for clean water.
The students were shocked by how much water they use at home and then really shocked about how much weater we use at the school.
Made with ❤️ in Canada
PLEASE NOTE:
No personal student or staff information is collected through the Blue Schools Program.
Water-use data identifying specific schools will not be published or distributed.
For inquiries or to book an in-class presentation please contact us at:
Tel: 416-392-6022
E-mail: greatlakes@torontozoo.ca
