The Water Scene Investigation (WSI) was developed by Arizona Project WET for use by local water providers and water educators in middle school classrooms to inspire simple actions that result in real water savings. This guide is the result of several iterations of writing, classroom testing, revision, and retesting. The WSI is a two–day, in– classroom project; the two days are separated by a week to allow for homework completion. To date, the WSI has reached 4,025 students and saved over 12 million gallons of water. Arizona Project WET is a program of the University of Arizona’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Arizona Cooperative Extension, the Water Resources Research Center and the Department of Agricultural Education.
The Water Scene Investigation (WSI) is a valuable tool, effective in many different scenarios, for raising water use awareness and empowering individuals to make their water use more efficient. This guide was written for presenters from businesses, public agencies, nonformal education and the community to engage 5th through 9th grade students in a project focused on water conservation, efficiency and water auditing. One may adapt it easily for non–classroom use, whether that is in community groups or clubs, with youth or with adults.
The WSI is a participatory method of learning where students learn effective ways of conserving water indoors, while developing specific STEM skills. Students utilize math skills by measuring water use before and after the installation of new faucet aerators in their own homes; and then calculate annual water use in gallons per year using mathematical thinking skills. Aerators reduce the flow of water without reducing the pressure needed to accomplish tasks such as hand washing and dishes, so they are a simple, yet effective technology for students to install. By using aerators and tracking water savings, people of all ages can gain a better understanding of how a small investment in a simple technology can save precious water resources over time.