Austin, TX (November 18, 2013) – The Colorado River Alliance announced today the launch of the first ever Texas Colorado River Mobile River Learning Experience.
In partnership with Austin Water, the Colorado River Alliance (CRA) is proud to expand its current set of youth education programs to include, the Texas Colorado River Mobile Learning Experience. “Austin Water is pleased to partner with the Colorado River Alliance to help educate Austin youth on the importance of preserving our local water source,” said Daryl Slusher, Assistant Director of Environmental Affairs with the City of Austin.
With plans to launch in the 2014-2015 school year, the Colorado River Alliance will work directly with Austin Water and Austin Independent School District (AISD) to bring the field trip experience to more than 5,000 seventh students in AISD. In addition, CRA and Austin Water plan to reach an additional 3,000 to 5,000 sixth thru eighth grade students through community events and expanded partnerships with surrounding area schools. “The Colorado River Alliance is thrilled to work with AISD and Austin Water to provide a cutting edge, interactive experience to students across Austin to learn about our most vital natural resource,” said Sarah Richards, Executive Director of the Colorado River Alliance.
The Texas Colorado River Mobile Learning Experience will function as a traveling, interactive science museum, utilizing interactive exhibits and hands-on activities housed inside a 40-foot trailer. Students will enter a watery world where science and technology merge to encounter critical thinking about our most precious resource.
With the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) aligned curriculum, interactive models will engage and instruct, inspiring students to go out and make a difference. “The Mobile Learning Experience will be a great opportunity to teach children in Austin the crucial fundamentals about our water source,” said Charlie Gutierrez, Science Supervisor with the Austin Independent School District.
Overall program goals are to reduce the water use within the Colorado River basin, increase knowledge for a healthier Colorado River, and develop a workforce of STEM professionals with a high knowledge base of water quality and water quantity needs for a sustainable water supply.
For more information about the Texas Colorado River Mobile Learning Experience or the Colorado River Alliance, contact Sarah Richards at 512-498-1587 or sarah@coloradoriver.org.
About the Colorado River Alliance:
The Colorado River Alliance (CRA) is the only nonprofit in Texas dedicated solely to the protection and conservation of the Texas Colorado River. As our population increases, and severe drought conditions persist, water conservation is critical to Austin’s future. Over one million people receive their drinking water directly from the River and Austin’s community utilizes the River through outdoor activities or Lady Bird Lake, Lake Travis and beyond. The Texas Colorado River is the heart of our city. We believe that if we use it, we should protect it.
Media Contact:
Lauren Martin
lauren@jhlcompany.com
(512)236-1001