ROTA-Here on Rota, our abundance of fresh water comes from a spring in the mountain called the Water Cave. It isn't easy to talk about the need to save water when you have an abundance of it. This abundance of water is really just another contradiction. We live on an island where dry seasons are common, yet we plant lush lawns and grow thirsty crops. Farm animals need water. Our population is growing and more water is needed. Water is not cheap. That is why it's important to conserve.
Conservation should come naturally. Yet it doesn't. The urge to conserve seems to fade. In the end, conserving water has little to do with dry season or not paying for water and everything to do with protecting a limited resource. It is not about making sacrifices. It's about conserving. It's about saving our community's lifeblood for tomorrow.
Conserving water is something we do because we're a responsible Luta community.
The “CNMI Water Kids” is a 45-minute presentation exploring the natural resource of fresh water on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. This presentation educates and seeks the help of students in helping conserve water in their community.
“CNMI Water Kids” is a presentation of WERI, the Water and Environmental Resources Institute of the Western Pacific, University of Guam, with funding from the U.S. Geological Survey.
The presentation was conducted by Phil and Ann Card, and consulting teacher Jennifer Berry. They showed multimedia presentation with animated segments geared to fifth- and sixth-grade levels. Students of all grade levels are welcome.
The presenters provided free teacher materials, including a CD copy of the slide show, two lesson plans with activities, word bank, quizzes, and a glossary of related terms in Chamorro.
There is also a companion website at www.cnmiwaterkids.com, where educators can download materials and where students can explore information about fresh water on their own.
The lesson plans are applicable to Science, Language Arts, Social Studies, Chamorro Studies, Spelling, Vocabulary and Art for grades 3-7. Topics covered include the definition and importance of fresh water, the water cycle, ground water and surface water, how pollutants affect our fresh water, and what kids can do to protect and conserve the CNMI's freshwater.
“Conserving and protecting water can save thousands of dollars in our community,” said seventh-grader Angelica Lucero.
The administration, faculty, staff, and students would like extend their appreciation to Phil and Ann Card, and Jennifer Berry for their worthwhile educational presentation. (Edward Maratita Jr.)
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