"Make A Splash" Water Festival

On September 21, 2001 more than 50,000 kids across the country learned about the importance of water education through Project WET's "Make A Splash" Water Festival

Exhibitions took place around the country simultaneously. Lahontan State Park was the outdoor classroom for Silver Stage Middle School students to learn about the hydrocycle, mining, wetlands, groundwater, and water related subjects. More than 400 students came to Lahontan Reservoir on September 21st for a day of hands-on learning and exploring. Experienced resource professionals instructed students in Nevada history, wildlife, botany, water, and lessons with the common theme of water.

Generally, the Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) program is a science and math education enhancement program focused on grades K-12. It is an interdisciplinary program intended to supplement a school's existing curriculum. The mission of National Project WET is to increase awareness, appreciation, knowledge and stewardship of water resources.

Mary Kay Riedl from the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection (NDEP) and River Wranglers coordinator Linda Conlin co-chaired Nevada's "Make A Splash" event.

  5th Grade Workshops
Make A Splash & Be Safe With Water - Nevada Dept. of Wildlife - Steve Tomack, John Swisher, Paul Dankowski, and Reid Varble. Students performed relays and games while learning about water safety from the Nevada Department of Wildlife professionals.    

Clay Workshop - Nevada Arts Council - Marta Wallof. The hands-on exhibitions captured the student's attention with a lesson in clay put on by the Nevada Arts Council.  

Wildlife Habitat Enrichment - 4-H - Sandy Wallin.  A 4-H project activity that challenged students and their knowledge of wetlands.  

Birds of a Feather - Bob Goodman, naturalist photographer 


  6th Grade Workshops
The Incredible Journey - Bob Lawson, retired science educator
Photo 18: The Incredible Journey-moves students through the water cycle to determine where the water drops goes next.  

Bird Seed Mining - Nevada Dept. of Minerals - Bill Durban and Linda Well.  This hands-on activity demonstrates the effort required to mine for certain minerals. 

Agriculture and the Economy - Sonya Johnson, rancher and Crystal Watkins, River Wrangler volunteers.  Nevada's students learn about water as they develop an understanding of the unique role water plays in the development of our state as well as the benefits and costs of conservation.  Beneficial uses of Agriculture-approaches to property management that will lead to cleaner water and more valuable property.  We all deserve clean water! 

Plants - Harding ESE, Jackee Picianni.  Students learned about parts of the plants and how to read a dichotomist key. 


  7th Grade Workshops
Washoe basket weaver - Norma Smokey shows how water was part of her ancestry in making baskets. 

Orienteering - the use of map and compass - Nevada State Parks Ranger, Eric Johnson. River Wrangler volunteer, Karen Spencer.   Students are taught the use of a map and compass to chart a course through unfamiliar territory 

Bugs and Aquatic Life - Nevada Dept. of Education (science) - Richard Vineyard.  Richard teaches students about fish and what they eat.


  8th Grade Workshops
Healthy Water / Healthy People - NDEP - Garland Francis and Holly Lambert.  Students learn about protecting the environment and nature against erosion and other materials that adversely affect the water supply. Water quality tests of turbidity, pH, and temperature are taken. 

Springs and Wetlands - Stillwater Wildlife Refuge - Jeremy Markle, Americorp Volunteer.  Jeremy helped students to explore and understand the wonders of wetlands and to know how relevant they are to our lives. 

Aquifer in a Cup - Lyon County School District - Shonna Ingram - River Wranglers volunteer - Michelle Willimott.  Creating an aquifer in a cup helps to gain an appreciation. 

Groundwater and Sewage Treatment - Understanding ground water supplies - NDEP, Nevan Kane. Silver Springs General Improvement District, Ray Johnson.  Groundwater - the 3-dimensional ground water model illustrates how contamination of water resources occurs.  Sewage Treatment-how our local water is treated and how the effluent is used. 


Great times were had by all who participated. Both the students and the adults, who donated their time and efforts, enjoyed the beautiful day.   This outdoor classroom encouraged a greater appreciation of the environment and possibly a greater interest in learning science as a career.  Thank You For Your Support and help!

Thanks goes to -- Assemblyman Joe Dini, LCSD Trustee Barbara Johnson, Retired Judge Ed Johnson, Superintendent Nat Lommori, and Teacher Pat Peters.

We would also like to thank the Lahontan Reservoir Recreation Area Employees, Supervisor Keith Penner, Ranger Todd Anderson, Park Tech. Mike Cavanaugh, Park Aide Bob Brown, Park Aide Jennifer Jurczak, Silver Springs Stagecoach PTA, Smokey Pete, Frito Lay, Al Hawley / Jay Block - Hodges Transportation, Deputy Block, Deputy Kahn - DARE, Dan Kaffer - Western Nevada RC&D , the River Wrangler Volunteers, Debbie Gilmore, Cheyenne Conlin, Rachel Novak, Jenny Walsh, Michelle Willimott, Karen Spencer, Crystal Watkins, and Noreen Albers.

And special thanks to Gary Schonne, Perrier representative!

Project Wet Home Page

For information about water education in Nevada