California students invited to participate in poster contest | Sierra Star

The California Arts Council has invited fourth and fifth grade California students to participate in the Conservation Creativity Challenge Poster Contest.

This contest supports State Drought Task Force efforts and Governor Brown’s goal of awakening all Californians - including young people - to the ongoing need for water conservation in our state. The contest aims to educate students about the serious matter of California’s drought, and to help raise awareness of everyday water conservation practices through the arts and creativity.

This is the first time the California Arts Council and Department of Water Resources have partnered on an initiative.

“The arts offer a unique way to illuminate reality,” said Craig Watson, Director of the California Arts Council. “Utilizing the arts and creativity through this classroom poster contest will deepen student engagement and understanding about water conservation in California. We hope the Conservation Creativity Challenge contest will help students engage with these important conservation values in new and fun ways.”

“In light of the current, severe drought it is more important than ever to encourage all Californians to develop lifelong resource stewardship habits,” said Michelle Robinson, Water Education Specialist at the California Department of Water Resources. “The Conservation Creativity Challenge is a great way for students everywhere to get involved and share their ideas about saving water every day.”

Through the contest, educators and parents can harness the creativity of fourth and fifth grade students while fulfilling state education standards.

Students are invited to invent fun and unique ways to reduce water use, and illustrate their best idea with an original poster design. All California students in the fourth and fifth grade are eligible to participate and win prizes, including gift cards, and the opportunity for their artwork to be displayed in the state capitol.

Complete contest details and teacher curriculum and lesson planning resources are available at arts.ca.gov/conservation. Student entries must be submitted by March 31, 2015.

-Department of Water Resources