Cairo, Georgia — The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District (FRSWCD) is partnering with Tisk/Task to challenge sixth grade students at Washington Middle School in Cairo, Georgia to create solutions to improve water quality in South Georgia. Students participating in the “tisk” that FRSWCD sponsors will identify a source of nutrient pollution and work to create a plan to reduce it. Students learn through interactive problem solving to “Nip Nutrient Pollution”. Tisk/Task is an instructional platform that gives students a creative experience in solving real world problems and provides the opportunity to develop and enhance workforce skills. Over the course of three months, approximately sixty students will conduct research and interviews, brainstorm and develop solutions to solve the challenge of nutrient pollution in local water sources.
FRSWCD Education Coordinator, Abby Davis, visits participating students at Washington Middle School in Cairo in February to share more about the FRSWCD and importance of conservation practices to improve water quality.
Students participating in the experiment sponsored by the FRSWCD learned firsthand about point source and non-point source nutrient pollution and the effect on local water sources by FRSWCD Education Coordinator, Abby Davis. Davis provided hands-on instruction about nutrient pollution, as well as, answered questions as students begin the process of determining solutions to the challenge.
“The students were truly interested and engaged in learning about nutrient pollution in Grady County and Southwest Georgia,” stated Davis. “We are excited to see their results as they work diligently over the next few months to create solutions.”
The top three solvers will be announced at an awards ceremony in late spring. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to showcase and present their resolutions during the event. The top three winners will receive prizes sponsored by FRSWCD.
Founder of Tisk/Task, Katie Chastain, said, “It's been amazing to see kids get interested in water quality issues right in their backyard-- they learned so much from the FRSWCD expert and have really enjoyed doing some hands-on water testing. We really believe sponsors like Flint River will help kids think deeper and take positive actions to protect one of our most precious natural resources.”
The Flint River Soil and Water Conservation District is comprised of farmers, landowners, and community leaders that are dedicated to the conservation, wise use, and protection of natural resources in the Flint River Basin. Learn more about the District at flintriverswcd.org.
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