 |
About the Forum
The Student Water Forum is a student-driven day of debate, discussion and consensus building, focusing on current water-related issues to Metropolitan, Southern California, California and the Southwest. In the past, the format has focused debate on the topics of state water conservation priorities, the Bay/Delta and the California 4.4 Plan.
At the most, the essential question presented by water, government and environmental professionals and debated by 200 high school students from 17 different high schools (representing 7 member agencies) was:
Sustainability: How Will Southern California
Maintain A Balance Between Water Quality And Supply
After the opening general session and overview, the day was broken into three sessions:
- Session 1 – "Becoming Advocates" Students were broken into small groups to meet with an expert from an area of sustainability representing one of a variety of perspectives including---agriculture, the environment and others. The goal was to develop a group of "advocates" for that particular perspective.
- Session 2 – "Consensus Building" Students were "jig-sawed" into new groups made up of at least one representative from each of the Session 1 perspectives. Led by an adult facilitator, students debated and discussed how their view agrees/disagrees with the perspectives of the other groups. Students developed a proposal, a "water quality initiative," provided possible policy ideas and sticking points addressing the issue of salinity.
- Session 3 – "Presentation of Proposals" Each group presented their water quality initiative from Session 2 to the entire conference. Water, government and environment professionals will evaluate each proposal and provide questions and constructive feedback to the students.
Background and Goals
Student teams are made up of teachers and students who are presently using Metropolitan’s Water Politics curriculum. Each team receives the same pre-Forum package of background materials to prepare for the event.
The Student Water Forum attempts to accomplish a number of goals: The Forum
- Reinforces key negotiating processes and specific water policy initiatives being developed by organizations like Metropolitan.
- Creates a unique, rewarding, stimulating water-related, student-driven event.
- Provides an incentive for teachers to integrate their curriculum with water issues.
- Generates a collaborative opportunity for professionals from all water-related fields.
For more information, please contact Benita Lynn Horn of Education Programs at 213/217-6739.
|
|
|
|
|
|
