Children’s book series and associated curricula support elementary education and outreach in water resources

Background: Water resources are of fundamental importance to society, and are better managed by stakeholders who understand resource issues. Gaining such knowledge is a lifelong process best begun at an early age and best supported by educational approaches integrating across science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Research scientists can bring resource education to young audiences through children's books and curricula that emphasise and integrate across STEM principals. Aims: To encourage empathy for the environment in younger students, researchers at the Niwot Ridge Long Term Ecological Research site have developed a children's book series and methods for training teachers in water science education. Methods: Children's books in the My Water series are paired with curricula, hands-on learning kits, teacher development training and dissemination of materials through school districts to further water science education. Results: Thousands of children and educators have received training through the My Water book series, and a more broadly focused, federally funded Schoolyard Children's Book Series has grown out of these efforts towards water resource education. Conclusions: Children's books and curricula that integrate STEM principals can play a key role in the development of environmental empathy and lifelong learning to support resource management.