Cotter becomes curriculum: launch of the Cotter Dam education kit

Like the new Cotter Dam, water literacy across the ACT is about to be raised thanks to ACTEW’s Cotter Dam Education Program which was launched today by Minister for Education and Training, Mr Andrew Barr MLA.

The first Cotter Dam Education Kit – the cornerstone of the program – was presented by the Minister to Duffy Primary School today, with all other schools in the ACT to receive copies over coming weeks.

ACTEW Managing Director Mark Sullivan said the kit was developed to help young people understand the ACT’s unique water supply issues and encourage future generations to be informed and responsible water users.

“Water and sustainability are key issues for our city’s future, and making resources like the Cotter Dam Education Kit available will help to ensure we’re well equipped to face these issues effectively,” said Mr Sullivan.

“It’s important to give today’s school children the skills and knowledge they need to be the future custodians of water in the ACT.” he said.

The Cotter Dam Education Kit, which was developed in collaboration with ACT school teachers and the Department of Education, features twelve curriculum units separated into three themes of learning: protecting the environment, engineering and water supply and people and place. Underpinning the entire program is the central theme of sustainability.

Also included in the kit are practical high quality teaching resources such as worksheets, fact sheets, slideshows, videos, images, maps and background information including a book about the history of the Cotter by local historian Michael Jones. The whole program is aligned with the essential learning outcomes specified in the ACT school curriculum.

“All primary and secondary schools in the ACT will receive a copy of the kit and the materials will also be available on our website for interstate schools and teachers, and anyone who is interested in water issues and our city’s new dam,” said Mr Sullivan.

“To help school teachers get the most out of the new Cotter Dam Education Kit, ACTEW is also offering teacher professional development seminars, including a guided tour to visit the construction site.” he said.

The program is strongly linked to the Cotter Precinct and encourages school groups to visit the Precinct regularly while they are studying the education units to analyse the environment and heritage of the Cotter and see for themselves what is involved in building a dam.

A centerpiece of the learning activities is the Cotter Dam Discovery Trail, a new feature of the Cotter Precinct which will provide extensive views of the worksite.

“We hope to reach each and every single student and teacher in the ACT through the Cotter Dam Education Program, and inspire them to visit the Cotter during construction and after the new dam is built,” Mr Sullivan said.

“The Cotter Dam Discovery Trail is currently under construction and set for a spring opening. I look forward to inviting students, teachers and the entire community out to the opening of the trail – stay tuned for details.” said Mr Sullivan.

Details of the Cotter Dam Education Kit are available by calling 6175 2456.

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