Education students get practice with hands-on teaching at Clinton River Water Festival

By Eric Reikowski, Public Information Specialist

Area fifth-grade students learn about the central role water and the Clinton River plays within their region.

Oakland University is set to host the eighth annual Clinton River Water Festival for fifth-grade students from the Clinton River Watershed Community schools in Oakland County from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, May 16, on Oakland’s campus.

The festival helps students learn about the central role that the Clinton River, and water in general, play in the region. Presenters will speak on topics that include storm water, wastewater treatment, soil erosion, wetlands, creeks and streams, habitat and sources of pollution.

Last year’s festival drew more than 1,300 students, teachers and chaperons, according to Reginald McCloud, director of OU’s Department of Pre-College Programs.

“Some of the activities focused on pollution prevention, the hydrologic cycle, as well as daily water usage,” McCloud said. “More importantly, the presentations and exhibits provide fifth-grade students with information that complement the science curricula taught at their schools.”

Emphasizing hands-on activities and interactive presentations, the event will offer students an assortment of indoor and outdoor sessions throughout the day. The Oakland community is invited to participate in a variety of volunteer positions, including presenters and guides to escort student groups around campus.

“These volunteer opportunities are ideal for education majors who plan to work with elementary students, as well as students who are majoring in one of the sciences,” McCloud said.

To promote a fun and engaging atmosphere, OU student volunteer Kendra Agee will be leading a game of “Water Jeopardy” during this year’s festival.

“I believe that education is a great tool and helping younger students is something I’ve always wanted to do,” said Agee, a graduate assistant and master’s student in OU’s Higher Education Leadership program.
“Being able to make the connection between high school and college is really important.”

Festival sponsors include the OU Department of Pre-College Programs, OU Office of the Provost, Clinton River Watershed Council, City of Auburn Hills, Waste Management, Oakland County Water Resources Commission, and Pure Oakland Water, a state non-profit founded by Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash.

For more information, contact McCloud at (248) 370-3203 or rjmcclou@oakland.edu. View the festival’s website at oakland.edu/clintonriverwaterfestival.