District, Brevard Zoo team up to bring hands-on water education to teachers

Teachers engaged in hands-on activities during the Project WET workshop at Brevard Zoo.

The District, in partnership with Brevard Zoo, recently hosted a Project WET (Water Education Today) workshop for Brevard Public Schools (BPS) educators. Held on Feb. 11, the workshop provided teachers with dynamic, hands-on training to inspire and equip them to bring water and climate education into their classrooms, helping to foster a new generation of environmental stewards.

Project WET is a globally recognized program dedicated to enhancing water awareness and conservation through science-based education. During the workshop, educators participated in interactive lessons designed to make water-related topics more accessible and relevant to students. The activities, including tactile learning and play-based exercises, gave teachers innovative tools to engage their students and deepen their understanding of environmental concepts in an impactful way.

“These hands-on activities will really show my students how they can apply what they learn in the classroom to the real world,” said Dori Grace, a marine science teacher at Viera High School. “Living in Brevard County with access to the Indian River Lagoon, these learning strategies will help strengthen our students’ love for and perspective on their communities.”

Ali Pressel, the District’s education and outreach coordinator, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative. “We are excited to partner with zoos across Florida to bring Project WET to educators throughout the state. By providing teachers with interactive, science-based resources, we are helping students gain a deeper appreciation for Florida’s water systems and the importance of conservation.”

The workshop is just one example of how the District works to protect and preserve Florida’s water resources through education and community engagement. By collaborating with organizations like Brevard Zoo, the District is equipping teachers with valuable curriculum tools while fostering long-term awareness and action among students who will become the future stewards of the state’s natural resources.