The mobile Waterschool is partly conducted in the classroom with experiments, group work and teaching of various water related topics. Aside from the indoor sessions the lessons are also conducted outside in nature, where water and all that it contains are put under the microscope for research assignments.
The aim for students is to get to know the element water in different ways through interdisciplinary teaching and a variety of methods and actively contribute to the protection and sustainable use of this valuable resource.
Two project partners with a special connection to water
The abundance of water in the Hohe Tauern National Park can be seen in all its forms. Glacier crowned mountain peaks, impressive waterfalls, raging mountain rivers or tranquil lakes untouched by man are just a few examples. Being aware of the great responsibility for its natural wonders, the national park has been committed since its foundation to protect the water as a resource in all its forms within and outside its reach.
Water has always played a key role for Swarovski and still is an important part of its heritage. Daniel Swarovski, the company´s founder chose Wattens as the site for his company as the mountain stream of the Wattenbach provided clean and sustainable energy and was also a vital element in the crystal production and cutting process. In 2000 the Swarovski Waterschool was founded in the Hohe Tauern National Park to confront the global water challenges and teach future generations about sustainable water use to ensure that the resource water will be safeguarded for many generations to come.
From Austria into the world – a global success story
The concept of teaching students about the most valuable resource on our planet interactively through numerous experiments, research assignments, and discussions has proven to be extremely successful. Since its foundation, the Swarovski Waterschool has expanded to other locations in Brazil, China, India, Thailand, Uganda and the USA and works with local partners to address locally relevant issues. The three core principles of the Waterschool do remain the same though in every location:
- Access to clean water
- Education about water and environmental issues
- Access to basic sanitation and hygiene
Find out more about the international Swarovski Waterschool: www.swarovskiwaterschool.com
Our programme for the mobile Waterschool:
- For school years four to nine
- Three to four days of lessons (as requested) in the classroom and outdoors
- Up to four lessons per day
- No cost for schools in Carinthia, Salzburg and Tyrol
- All materials required for the Waterschool lessons and experiments are provided free of charge
Waterschool project days in the Hohe Tauern National Park:
- Three- to four-day water school course with rangers in the Hohe Tauern National Park
- Up to four lessons per day
- Opportunity to book other programme modules offered by the national park in the afternoon (fees apply)
- The rangers and materials for Waterschool course are provided free of charge; travel and accommodation needs to be covered by the participants.