Water Docs at School
Brought to you by LSF and Ecologos, Water Docs at School (WDaS) is a free, curriculum-connected community action program that actively engages 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.
Stay tuned for updates on our 2025/2026 program! Check the FAQ below.
Program FAQ
- Completing the WDaS lesson plans, which introduce water issues and focus on your local watershed
- 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
- Free curriculum-connected lesson plans & supporting resources, including Action Project and filmmaking guides for students
- A library of virtual workshops where expert organizations introduce your students to water issues and ideas for action
- Invitation to apply for $500 in Action Project funding
- 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!
- Start: use the WDaS Lesson Plans, resources & virtual workshop library with your students
- Before Mar: Apply for $500 in funding to support your Action Projects and films
- Nov-May: Take on your student-led water Action Projects and create your documentary films!
- May 30: Film submissions are due!
- Jun: Films submissions are judged by our panel of experts
- Jun: virtual film festival recognition day and award presentations
WDaS is connected to 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!
*The WDaS Lesson Plans contain curriculum links for gr 7&8 in Ontario, New Brunswick & Manitoba, but are useable in any province or territory
- 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
- 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!
- Start: use the WDaS Lesson Plans with your students
- Jan-Mar: WDaS virtual Youth Forum, including expert-led workshops for your students on water, action, and filmmaking!
- Jan-May: Take on your student-led water Action Projects and create your documentary films!
- May: Film submissions are due!
- May/Jun: Films submissions are judged by our panel of experts
- Jun: virtual film festival recognition day and award presentations
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
- 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!
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
Watch these teachers talk about their WDaS experience!
2024/2025 Winners
Congratulations to all who participated in the program last year! We received an amazing batch of films showcasing student-led water Action Projects from classes across MB, NB, and ON.
Our winners and other honourees are below. Click the titles to view their films (coming soon)!
- BEST FILM: “Let’s Fight Microplastics” from Eenchokay Birchstick School (Pikangikum, ON)
- BEST FILM – RUNNER UP: “Fountains: The Taste That Can’t Be Ignored” from Fred C. Cook Public School (Bradford, ON)
- BEST PROJECT: “Stormwater Runoff: The Hidden Water Crisis” from Fred C. Cook Public School (Bradford, ON)
- BEST PROJECT – RUNNER UP: “Water Wonders!” from James Morden Public School (Niagara Falls, ON)
Congratulations to all 2024/2025 participants!
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