Wild Water Testing Toads (WWTT)
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Funded by an Ocean Wise Youth Ocean Action Grant (YOAG), Wild Water Testing Toads (WWTT) introduces water testing and sampling into forest school educational programming in an effort to increase awareness, understanding and action towards freshwater pollution.
Project Description
The Nature School and Education Centre, located in Niagara, Ontario has one main goal for their elementary school-aged participants: “…to promote a connection to the environment and natural world through outdoor education programs” (http://www.natureschoolniagara.com/). The project, Wild Water Testing Toads (WWTT), inspired by the ‘Toads’ (campers aged 5-8) of Summer Nature Camp 2022, introduces water testing and sampling into forest school educational programming in an effort to increase awareness, understanding and action towards freshwater pollution, specifically E.coli, in the Niagara Region. Water testing/sampling kits, badges, stickers, etc., were purchased from the Canadian non-for-profit organization: Water Rangers. During the Ocean Bridge Great Lakes 2022 Urban Learning Journey, WWTT made its debut at the Ottawa Forest and Nature School, Nepean, Ontario. All Water Rangers equipment was donated to the Nature School and Education Centre, Niagara, Ontario after a project introduction with the Saturday Morning ‘Explorers Club’ of Fall 2022.
The objectives of WWTT is to:
1) foster curiosity towards water quality testing/sampling ;
2) raise awareness about freshwater pollution;
3) promote active participation in freshwater conservation efforts ; and
4) collect / share scientific data.
The learning outcomes are to: identify and understand how to use different types of scientific equipment for water quality testing/sampling; ask age-appropriate questions about freshwater pollution; and demonstrate a willingness to participate in freshwater conservation efforts. Many ‘Toads’ are just starting to explore nature. As they begin to visit and explore natural environments, hopefully they will have/bring with them a new sense of responsibility towards freshwater pollution. To continue and expand this project, a partnership with Scouts Canada and/or Girl Guides of Canada can be formed as Short Hills Provincial Park, Thorold, Ontario, is home to Camp Wetaskiwin and earning badges forms a personal sense of accomplishment!
