Unique Book Publishing Project Culminates With Publishing Party

WHAT: Book Publishing Party for “Discovering Water”

WHERE: Windham High School

WHEN: Wednesday, June 3 from 4:30-6:00

Over the past two and a half years, students from Mr. Riddle’s Earth Science class researched, wrote, illustrated, took photographs for, and designed a book, “Discovering Water,” as a learning tool for middle school students engaged in the Portland Water District’s environmental education programs. The books will compliment PWD’s classroom education programs that reach 1,000 students monthly, but will also serve as a stand-alone resource for schools that do not participate in regularly scheduled programs. Initially one hundred books have been printed and will be distributed to middle schools within PWD’s service area and the Sebago Lake watershed.

“Discovering Water engaged students, asked them to produce something real, something others could learn from,” said Riddle. “There was never really anything easy about this project, which was one of the lessons we learned.  Real projects facilitate authentic learning with effective outcomes for all involved.”

Education in America and here in Maine is experiencing an overhaul; one with a focus on students showcasing proficiencies within different content areas.  Within Windham’s science education, the priority is mastery of scientific "skills and practices." 

“A project like Discovering Water is a dream come true, as it offers a unique opportunity for students to consider many facets of information literacy, including copyright regulations, proper crediting of sources and relevant and reliable information they can use to teach others,” stated Windham High School Librarian, Amy Denecker.

Discovering Water, a collaborative effort between Windham High School students, the Portland Water District, and other support staff, was written to share information about water in Maine and the world. In the introduction section, the students share their aspirations for the book, “we hope you take the knowledge and put it to use in your daily lives so that Earth’s water, which comes around and goes around, stays available, clean, and safe so all may benefit for generations to come.”

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