Water Rocks! receives Iowa Environmental Excellence Award

Water Rocks!, Iowa State University’s youth water education program, received an Iowa Environmental Excellence Award for Environmental Education on Aug. 2, 2016, at the State Capitol in Des Moines.

Water Rocks! delivers unique, entertaining and engaging science-based educational activities to inspire kids of all ages to have a greater appreciation of water resources. 

Since 2012, the Water Rocks! team has participated in 543 youth and community outreach events, reaching 65,385 people in quality educational encounters. In addition, they have trained 144 teachers and 40 extension/environmental educators on issues related to water, soil, conservation and natural resources in Iowa.

The Water Rocks! program produces all of their own original outreach materials, including 100+ educational videos, original songs and enhanced learning activities for Grades K-12. The award-winning videos have over 180,000 online views.

“As evident from the varied activities and number of Iowans participating in the program, we know that Water Rocks! is shaping the way Iowans think about their water and natural resources,” commented director Jacqueline Comito. “We are honored to be recognized by the Governor for our efforts.”

The awards are the premier environmental honors in Iowa. Water Rocks! is one of 22 Iowa organizations, businesses and communities that Gov. Terry E. Branstad recognized at the Iowa Environmental Excellence Awards ceremony on August 2. 

“The vision and initiatives undertaken by the award recipients to benefit Iowa’s citizens both economically and environmentally are recognized and celebrated through these awards. They showcase the commitment being made to make Iowa a better state now and into the future,” said Gov. Branstad.