Montana Make a Splash

Montana Make A Splash with Project WET

Between September 21 and 28, over 1200 Montana students will participate in Make a Splash Festivals with Project WET (Water Education for Teachers). These students will join over 50,000 others across the United States in educational, fun, and interactive water celebrations where students explore water-related topics. 2005 is the 6th year these festivals have been held in Montana!

In Montana, local organizers and volunteer presenters are the heart of what makes these festivals thrilling. The Montana Outdoor Science School, Longfellow principal Randy Walthall, Billings Bench School teacher Suzie Clendenin, Boone and Crockett Conservation Education center, Jan Ziettlow of Boulder, Margaret Leary School (Butte) teacher Rita Browne, and Helena High teacher Missy Sampson coordinate volunteer speakers, student groups and local logistics for Make a Splash festivals in Montana. Their efforts and resources are coordinated by the Montana Watercourse in Bozeman.

Project WET Water Festivals provide a solid educational framework for teachers and students. While grounded in water science principles, water festivals also promote interdisciplinary approaches to learning by incorporating social studies, geography, language arts, art and journaling. Some teachers actively participate in pre- and post-festival activities to increase student learning from the day. Activities are provided on the web at the Project WET USA Make-A-Splash site for use in the classroom or at home. Students participating in 2005 festivals will receive Water: Every Drop Counts KIDS book from Project WET and teachers will receive an educator's guide and a story about springs called "Spring Waters, Gathering Places."

This year, Make a Splash is made possible in Montana through the support of Project WET USA, Nestlé Waters North America, and Bureau of Reclamation – Great Plains Office. These sponsors are committed to supporting water education and fostering appreciation for and understanding of Montana’s water. Local sponsors are integral to the success of these festivals. We also thank Boone and Crockett Club’s Conservation Education program, City of Valier, Valier Volunteer Firemen, Valier High School, Ponder County Conservation District, Glacier County Conservation District, Montana Outdoor Science School, Bozeman public schools, International Fly Fishing center, Gallatin Local Water Quality District, US Fish and Wildlife Service – Bozeman Fish Technology Center, Van's Thriftway (Helena), Ben Franklin Crafts (Helena), Forest Service, Helena School District #1, Arby's (Bozeman), Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, City of Bozeman, Big John's Portable rentals and ZOOMontana.

Montana's Festivals

Billings: Billings Make a Splash
Location: Two Moon Park on the Yellowstone River
Date: September 28, 2005

Boulder: Boulder Make a Splash
Location: Boulder Hot Springs
Date: September 29, 2005

Butte: Butte Make A Splash
Location: Father Sheehan Park, Butte
Date: September 22, 2005

Bozeman: Gallatin Valley Make a Splash Festival
Location: Fish Technology Center, Bozeman
Date: September 23, 2005

Bozeman: Longfellow School's Make a Splash water and wetland festival
Location: Langhor Park and Cherry River, Bozeman
Date: September 20, 2005

Helena: Helena Make a Splash
Locations: Smith, Bryant, and Jefferson Schools
Date: September 23, 2005

Valier: Lake Francis Make a Splash
Location: Lake Francis Campground
Date: September 21, 2005

Thank you to our sponsors:
Project WET USA and Nestle Waters North America

Boone and Crockett Club's Conservation Education program, City of Valier, Valier Volunteer Firemen, Valier High School, Pondera County Conservation District, Glacier County Conservation District, Montana Outdoor Science School, Bozeman public schools, International Fly Fishing center, Gallatin Local Water Quality District, US Fish and Wildlife Service- Bozeman Fish Technology Center, Van's Thriftway (Helena), Ben Franklin Crafts (Helena), Forest Service, Helena School District #1, Arby's (Bozeman), Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, City of Bozeman, Big John's Portable rentals and ZOOMontana.