District, Jacksonville Zoo team up to bring hands-on water education to teachers – SJRWMD

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

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Emily Blum, Education Specialist at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, leads a group of Duval County Public Schools teachers through a water-focused tour during a Project WET (Water Education Today) workshop.

The District, in partnership with the Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens’ Education Department, hosted a Project WET (Water Education Today) workshop for Duval County Public Schools educators.

The training provided teachers with dynamic, hands-on experiences designed to inspire and equip them to bring water and climate education into their classrooms—helping foster a new generation of environmental stewards.

“We are excited to bring Project WET to communities throughout our District,” said Ali Pressel, the District’s education and outreach coordinator. “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.”

Project WET is a globally recognized program that promotes water awareness and conservation through science-based education. During the workshop, educators participated in interactive lessons that made water-related topics more accessible and relevant to students. Activities included tactile learning and hands-on exercises, offering innovative tools to deepen environmental understanding in the classroom.

“At Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, we believe education is a powerful tool for conservation,” said Emily Blum, education specialist at Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens. “Hosting Project WET gives us the opportunity to support teachers with hands-on resources that make science and environmental stewardship come alive in the classroom. When students understand the role water plays in our ecosystems, they’re better equipped to protect it for generations to come.”

The workshop is one of many ways the District supports water protection through education and community collaboration. By partnering with organizations like Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens, the District helps educators access meaningful curriculum while empowering students to become future environmental leaders.

For more information about the District’s education programs and resources, visit www.sjrwmd.com.