WATER WARRIORS: A MULTIMEDIA-BASED CURRICULUM TO PROMOTE WATER RIGHTS AND WATER RESOURCE PROTECTION

We present Water Warriors (generationhumanrights.squarespace.com/water-warriors-modules) – a multimedia-based 8-12^th grade curriculum that guides students in an exploration of water resources through human rights and Indigenous lenses. The lessons enable students to step into the roles of water warriors (protectors). Students learn the importance of water as the source and sustenance of life and develop the skills needed to investigate water issues in their own communities. Module 1: Human Rights and the Right to Water creates the foundation of understanding human rights, the rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the right to clean water for all. The teachings include perspectives from Indigenous leaders and Indigenous youth about the sacredness of water and the need for water resource protection. Students identify how they use water and, through the lesson activities, begin to prepare themselves to become water stewards. Module 2: Know Your Water engages students in the study of watersheds. Students first explore the concept of water quality (what makes water potable, what type of pollutants threaten water quality, and how to minimize water pollution). Students then work with maps of various scales to explore watersheds and relate watershed components to their function and importance. Lastly, students study the water cycle and the science of how water travels through our ecosystem. Students ultimately connect healthy watersheds to critical services, like clean drinking water, productive fisheries, and outdoor recreation, that provide for human livelihood and well-being. Module 3: Water Warriors Taking Action culminates the learning with scaffolded group activities for students to create their own action plan to promote water rights and water protection in their communities. The Water Warriors curriculum aligns with ELA Common Core Standards in History, Social Studies, Science and Technology. Though we recommend adopting the entire program, lessons may be taught in any quantity or sequence. Teaching more than just the technical aspects of water quality and water quantity issues, the Water Warriors curriculum nurtures empathy, justice, and equality. Students taught with this framework will ideally have a stronger sense of what's just and fair and choose careers and lifestyles that support their communities.