Teacher information regarding Global Health Connections

Worldwide, one person in five does not have access to safe drinking water, while one
in two lacks safe sanitation. In the United States, a large number of young people grow
up without realizing that drinkable water is an extremely valuable resource. Key issues affecting water usage and availability include a growing global population, pollution and inefficient systems for water usage.

• Help students learn about water and sanitation issues with concrete, hands-
  on activities that manifest solutions to key issues. This process includes
  working in student teams and culminates in a popular ‘competition’ in which
  students present their projects to the local and international community.
  
  
• Create relevant, new curriculum materials that are scalable and replicable across the Denver area and state. These materials draw on key issues that impact water sustainability and reflect Denver Water Board Goals and objectives for water conservation and preservation.
  
  
• Integrate water education at a community-based level. Student projects involve intergenerational input – not only from teachers in the schools – but community experts who serve as mentors and addressing important water quality issues. This helps facilitate the link between theory and practice for youth in the program.

• Provide an interdisciplinary perspective that draws on experiences and teachings from a broad range of disciplines, including engineering, public health, policy and business. Students will gain an appreciation for how these disciplines and others have to work together to gain synergy and out-of-the-box idea generation for potential solutions to key and complex water-related issues.
  
  
• Show how other countries address their own issues, how those issues may pertain to Colorado’s demographics, and what areas of expertise may be tapped to solve problems.
  
  
• How does it work? See the DPS Water Challenge.