SA Water and Makers Empire have launched an exciting new partnership delivering education in sustainable water management. Today, Lot Fourteen hosted an expo-style showcase involving 12 SA schools sharing their learnings from the exciting program.
The Water Warriors program is helping students learn more about water as a precious and renewable resource. It explores the cultural knowledge of Aboriginal people, water management, and ways to build cooler, healthier communities.
More than 400 students collaborated on design thinking projects in response to a range of challenges posed by SA Water. They identified solutions for a water-related problem within their school or community. Alternatively, the students proposed a local response to a global program.
Sustainable water management to build STEM talents
SA Water’s General Manager of Strategy, Engagement and Innovation, Nicola Murphy, said nurturing the minds of South Australia’s young people is integral to building a more sustainable future.
“Sustainability is an important aspect of how we deliver trusted water services to our 1.7 million customers. We know the actions we take today will play a vital role in delivering benefits for generations to come,” said Murphy.
“This partnership provides an opportunity to collaborate with young innovators on South Australia’s water future in a fun and authentic way while promoting science-based career pathways and STEM subjects.”
From the city to the state’s hills and regions, the 12 participating schools included Moorook Primary School, Hawthorndene Primary School, Wallaroo Primary School, Marryatville High School, South Port Primary School, St Patrick’s School, Allendale East Area School, St Thomas School, Cobdogla Primary School, Monash Primary School, Glossop Primary School and Berri Primary School.
Collaboration supports sustainable water management
Founded in 2013 in South Australia, Makers Empire creates fun and easy-to-use 3D design software. It helps schools and teachers develop children’s creativity, design thinking skills, and STEM interests.
Makers Empire co-Founder and co-CEO Anthony Chhoy said the partnership is a wonderful example of teaming up with industry experts to deliver stimulating education programs for South Australian schools.
“We’re delighted to partner with SA Water on this exciting new education program to teach students real-life problem-solving and sustainable water management,” said Chhoy.
“Together, we’re empowering these students to become creators, innovators and problem solvers so they can make their world better.”
The pilot program is achieved through a Water Warriors-themed Challenge Course delivered via the Makers Empire app.
Teachers from each school completed the Makers Empire Learning by Design professional development course. It included a full day of training with 3D design software and the Challenge Course. This training helped the teachers guide their students through the program.
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