Urban Water Program at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center Water Education Demonstrations - Notes from January 2015 demo training

Transcription

1 Urban Water Program at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center Water Education Demonstrations - Notes from January 2015 demo training Website: The Urban Water Program at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Dallas has several water conservation and water quality demonstrations and programs for use at schools, organizations, or any educational event. Demonstrations include the Stream Trailer, EnviroScapes (two versions: watershed/nonpoint source and wastewater treatment), Rainfall Simulator, Irrigation Equipment, Dual Flush Toilet, and a Rainwater Harvesting system (two versions: small and large). Programs include the Incredible Water Journey and Freddy the Fish. See their website for more information on the demonstrations and programs. (To avoid duplication, this document does not include demo descriptions.) Notes About Reservations Demonstrations and programs are available by reservation at no cost. Simply go to and fill out the online request form. However, you need to attend the demo training before you can complete your reservation. If demo training is needed, contact Karen Sanders at (972) or karen.sanders@tamu.edu to set up training. Limited Availability Request Early! Many people need to use these demos. Thus, there is often a tight window for pickup and dropoff. Also, submit your online request as early as possible (and at least one week prior to the event date). Provide a secondary date if possible especially around Earth Day.

2 Notes About Demonstrations For EnviroScapes You may want to get the EnviroScapes 1 2 days in advance of your event so you have time to work through your demonstration with the user s guide. Nonpoint source demo shown on the left; wastewater treatment plant demo shown on the right. For Freddy the Fish You may need one or two more buckets than supplied if you want to show your audience a clean version at the end. Many of our educators use their own Freddy the Fish demos, starting with the lesson plan available at but making up their own stories to make it relatable to the children in the class. A peek inside the Freddy the Fish demo bin. *Note: The Public Education Task Force and NCTCOG have developed a Freddy the Fish video that may complement this demo. It is available at

3 For Water Drops on a Penny This demonstration is easy to create yourself, demonstrating water tension with an eye dropper and penny. For the Incredible Water Journey Be aware that you need space to set up the various stations. For Rainfall Simulator This demonstration works well at fairs. You may need silicone caulk to fix up the pipes, as they may get knocked loose while in transit.

4 For Stream Trailer While Texas A&M AgriLife has three trailers, the trailers are in high demand. Reserve early, and make sure to return your trailer at the appointed time! Using the Stream Trailer to show the effects of erosion. A few tips: There are two different boxes one with an urban theme, another with a rural theme. Keep the items in these boxes separate. Take off the cover by rolling it off, being careful to knock any beads/sand back into the trailer. Check the water level on the tank. Use clean water. It s helpful if you don t fill it until you re using it, as it s easier to move. Walk around the trailer when you re done. Make sure the legs in the back are pulled up before you drive off. Drain the water tank when you re finished.

5 For Rain Barrels There are two rain barrels available. The smaller one is easier to manage with one person, but the larger one s downspout provides a great visual. For a small fee, Texas A&M AgriLife also offers a rain barrel class for children (generally kids per class) as well as a class for adults (generally people per class). Most of the prep work is taken care of, but attendees do finish up the work that is relevant for barrel maintenance. For Irrigation Equipment The irrigation demo box is an accumulation of irrigation parts that is used to show people how to fix minor repairs and understand their irrigation systems. It includes nozzles, heads, drip tubing, PVC pipe, and more. (Note: There is also a Hands On Irrigation class that Texas A&M AgriLife teaches, where the controllers can be plugged in and participants learn to program the different controllers.)