Give Water a Hand (archived version)

A service-learning curriculum for youth

How can young people make a difference for the environment in their local communities? How can young people gain environmental stewardship skills? These are the questions we asked when developing Give Water A Hand – an interactive watershed education program for youth. 

The curriculum is available on the Give Water a Hand website, http://erc.cals.wisc.edu/gwah/, as well as through the PDFs and links below: 

The guide is designed as a service-learning curriculum that helps youth solve real water problems in their own communities. Through its Action Guide for youth (also available in Spanish), a Leader Guide, and a training manual, this innovative program helps young people protect and improve natural resources in their watersheds. More than 20 Federal agencies and national organizations contributed to program content, and continue to promote and disseminate the program materials. Funded by Church & Dwight Co, Inc. makers of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda; the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation; and USDA CSREES. Elaine L. Andrews Principal Investigator.

  • The GIVE WATER a HAND Leader Guide and GIVE WATER a HAND Youth Action Guide were selected for the National Collection of “Nationally Juried Experiential Learning 4-H Youth Development Curriculum,” USDA CSREES, 1996. 

Cairn, S., R. Cairn, & K. Row, 1994 and 1995 revision. E. Andrews, PI. GIVE WATER a HAND Leader Guide and GIVE WATER a HAND Youth Action Guide. University of Wisconsin Board of Regents. Translated into Spanish by Gaby Castro, 1997.