Tarrant Regional Water District Virtual Learning Program Teaches Local Kids About Water Conservation

Texans know our weather can be crazy. In February, all of Tarrant County suddenly discovered a newfound interest in our water supply after the Texas winter storm and power outages. The Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD) has found an exciting way to teach elementary school students about our water supply.

The Tarrant Regional Water District partnering with The National Theatre for Children (NTC), offers a free, professional comedy theatre program about water conservation to more than 9,000 local elementary students and teachers.

The Tarrant Regional Water District partnered with The National Theatre for Children (NTC) to provide The Aqua League Livestream performance to Tarrant County school districts. Children in fifty elementary schools can learn about water and enjoy this performance in ten districts, including Fort Worth, Arlington, Mansfield, Keller, HEB, Birdville, Crowley, Grapevine-Colleyville, Carroll, and Azle ISD.

As schools reopen, local districts continue to find innovative ways to combine virtual and in-person learning. This program brings a top-of-mind environmental issue directly into the classroom. The program started on April 21. So far, 25 Tarrant county schools have already viewed the live stream performances.

Aqua League Livestream SpecialPhoto CC National Theater for Children

The Aqua League Livestream Special website explains the education content covers:

The amazing ways we use water
Water’s incredible journey
How we move water where we need it
How we can save and protect water

The virtual lesson consists of a 35-minute show filled with comedic sketches designed for children in grades k-6. The program allows students to enjoy the show and participate in an interactive web platform guiding discussions on water conservation.

A live host introduces students to each live stream section. After the educational video, the host leads a question and answer session. The students and teachers can submit questions in real-time.

The National Theatre for Children actors cover important general topics such as the uses of water and how we can take steps to save and protect it. The program adds a local layer by explaining how water is used specifically in Tarrant County.

The Tarrant Regional Water District provides water to over two million residents across North Texas. The mission is to provide a “reliable, sustainable water supply, vital flood protection, and outstanding recreational opportunities” for the community.

TRWD monitors pipe integrity through an integrated system of electro-magnetic inspections. TRWD is building a 150-mile Integrated Pipeline underneath the Trinity River to supply the Dallas Forth Worth Metroplex with 350 million gallons of water per day.

The costs of the Aqua League program are covered by the Tarrant Regional Water District, making this exciting educational opportunity accessible to all students.

The National Theatre for Children is an educational programming company operating in the US, Australia, and New Zealand. Founded in 1978, the company has provided live events through its free curriculum while focusing on beneficial behaviors and life skills for children in grades K-12. The Covid-19 pandemic created an opportunity to pivot into an e-learning platform.

The National Theatre for Children created online programming and introduced live stream performances to help meet the needs of students during the pandemic. The company presents important topics such as energy conservation, safety, financial literacy, environmental stewardship. The National Theatre for Children also promotes healthy living and social responsibility.

These programs are provided to schools for free using strategic sponsorships. The National Theater for Children provides content through live performance and in-class discussions as well as through graphic novels, print curriculum, and digital games and activities.

Partnerships with groups like the Tarrant Regional Water District help make these educational opportunities possible. Students and educators get access to award-winning programs on the issues affecting our communities right now.