Foreword

Water is one of our most precious gifts. Nova Scotians are fortunate to have an abundant supply which is freely shared by many users.

Nova Scotia's aquatic resources are found most notably in the form of lakes, rivers, brooks, swamps, salt water marshes, ocean coves, bays and open shore lines. We also are fortunate to possess underground fresh water aquifers in several areas of the province. Each of these forms of available water provide a distinct and significant contribution to the natural history and culture of Nova Scotia. The need to recognize and better understand the importance of our aquatic resources was the impetus for Children's WaterFest '98. And the reason for more than 250 volunteers to join their efforts to produce the festival – the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada.

The material in this Resource Kit is designed to help promote an understanding of some of the important ways we interact with water. The original version was prepared by the Programme Committee of Children's WaterFest '98 (Carla Baillie, Margaret Earle, and Parker Wong), and its development and publishing was made possible by a grant from the Canada/Nova Scotia Water Economy Agreement. The publication of this version of the Resource was supported by the Nova Scotia Department of Environment.

This Resource may be used to prepare or enhance classroom learning opportunities related to water education and was designed for grades 4 through 6. The subject matter contained herein provides a good overview of the importance of water in relation to human needs and the needs of non-human species. English language arts, science, mathematics, social science and art activities; as well as activities that incorporate two or more of these disciplines; have been included educators' consideration.

Every effort has been made to include Nova Scotian / Atlantic Canadian content in this Resource. The information contained in each section's Educator's Notes has been obtained from Canadian sources¹. Likewise, the resource listings contained in the final section of the Kit are primarily Canadian, with emphasis given to resources available within the province of Nova Scotia.

The information included in this Kit is designed to be of benefit to educators. It has also been designed to be easily photocopied and has been produced in a format that will (hopefully) facilitate its use for many years to come. The material in this kit may be reproduced for educational purposes, and Kits may be reproduced and shared amongst educators freely. Materials for student use have been formatted to reproduce easily as well.

We hope that you find this Kit useful in your water education efforts.

¹ The Fact Sheets in the Freshwater Series were an invaluable tool in the compilation of information for this Resource.

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