Water Docs at School

Brought to you by LSF and Water Docs, Water Docs at School (WDaS) is a free, curriculum-connected community action program that actively engages Ontario, New Brunswick and Manitoba grade 7-8 students in addressing water issues through authentic inquiry, project-based learning, and video production. This program builds students’ understanding of water and instills in them a commitment to water stewardship. 

New: Manitoba & New Brunswick

We are so excited to announce that we have expanded the Water Docs at School program beyond Ontario classrooms! The 2022/2023 WDaS Program will connect to Ontario, New Brunswick and Manitoba grade 7&8 Classes! 

2022/2023 program details below!

Register now!

Program FAQ

What are we committing to?

• Completing the WDaS lesson plans, which introduce water issues and focus on your local watershed & the great lakes
• Planning & executing an Action Project (or multiple Projects) to tackle a water issue in your community
• Filming your process
• Producing a 4-minute film (or multiple films) about your learning, your action, and your impacts
• Submitting your film(s) for judging

What do we get?

• Free curriculum-connected lesson plans & supporting resources, including Action Project and filmmaking guides for students
• Invitation to the WDaS Virtual Youth Forum
• Virtual check-ins & support
• Recognition certificates
• A virtual recognition day celebrating all participants and showcasing the top films
• Submitted films are eligible for awards for Best Project and Best Film! Winning films receive a class prize and their films are featured on our site to inspire next year\’s WDaS students!

What is the timeline?

• Start: use the WDaS Lesson Plans with your students
• Jan 12, 2023: WDaS virtual Youth Forum begins!
• Jan-Mar 2023: WDaS virtual Youth Forum, including expert-led workshops for your students on water, action, and filmmaking!
• Jan-May 2023: Take on your student-led water Action Projects and create your documentary films!
• May 24, 2023: Film submissions are due!
• May/Jun 2023: Films submissions are judged by our panel of experts
• Jun 2023: virtual film festival recognition day and award presentations

What is the virtual Youth Forum?

A FREE interactive virtual event series designed to ENGAGE students in local water issues, EQUIP them with the skills needed to make change and EMPOWER them to take action!

The Forum includes:

• professional development package for teachers
• virtual kickoff event featuring a special guest
• virtual, hands-on student workshops on water issues
• virtual Action Project planning session
• virtual Filmmaking How-To session
• $500 Action Project grant to support water action & filmmaking!

Learn more on our Youth Forums page

The Youth Forum is NOT a mandatory part of the WDAS program, but it is highly recommended!

Why should we sign up?

WDaS is connected to Ontario, New Brunswick & Manitoba curriculum for grades 7 & 8. It will help you engage your students in project-based and inquiry learning, connect them with their local community, foster water stewardship and global citizenship, develop 21st century competencies, and gain skills in technology, creativity, leadership, and more!

Any other questions? Email Sam at samantha@LSF-LST.ca

2021/22 Winners

After another challenging year, we were thrilled to receive over 50 WDaS submissions from some exceptionally committed schools across the country. Congratulations to all who participated in the program this year.

Our winners are as follows. Click the links to view their films!

• BEST PROJECT – EFFECTS OF LAUNDRY DETERGENT (Sunningdale Public School)
• BEST PROJECT RUNNER UP- MIMICO CREEK WATER WATCHERS (Morning Star Middle School)
• BEST PROJECT HONOURABLE MENTION – SURFACE RUNOFF AND FLOODS (Royal Orchard Middle School)
• BEST PROJECT HONOURABLE MENTION – AQUACLOTH (Mount Royal Public School)
• BEST FILM – CARBON CYCLERS (Charles Gordon Senior Public School)
• BEST FILM RUNNER UP – HIDDEN COST OF FOOD  (Fern Avenue Public School)
• BEST FILM HONOURABLE MENTION – SINGLE USE PLASTIC – A DOCUMENTARY (Bakersfield Public School)
• BEST FILM HONOURABLE MENTION – IMIQ (Charles Gordon Senior Public School)

Congratulations to all 2021/2022 participants!

This program is supported by