AASA Writing Expository Practice

School project to save water may make history!

By Tribune Content Agency, adapted by Newsela staff

In 2015, four middle school students started working on a group science project. Last month, they presented their project to the California State Assembly. The state's lawmakers gather there to discuss bills. If a bill is approved, it becomes a law. The four students call themselves the Water Guardians. Their bill says that water supply companies must include K-12 schools in water conservation programs. Thanks to these programs, customers who are not wasteful with water can get money back. This encourages people to waste less.

Water Guardians Want Schools To Waste Less Water

The Water Guardians want schools to waste less water, too. So, they presented their idea to state lawmakers. "It was an incredible experience to learn how California government works," said Jessica Gallegos, one of the students. She is 14. The four students took turns speaking to lawmakers. They explained why the bill would be a good law.

Saving More Than 20 Gallons Of Water A Day!

Phillip Chen is a California lawmaker. He said he is proud of the students, because they saw a problem and are trying to help solve it. "This bill can save California more than 20 million gallons per day," he said. Mr. Chen introduced the bill to the other lawmakers. He also joined the students as they explained their bill. The Water Guardians formed almost two years ago at Washington Middle School in California. The four girls were in science class together. Susan Pritchard was their teacher. She challenged her students to enter a national contest. Their mission was to choose an environmental problem and come up with a plan to solve it. "The first thing I ask my students when we enter a contest is: are you doing this for the competition or do you have a passion for what you want to do," Pritchard said. "These girls have a passion for what they are doing." In 2015, California was in the middle of a long drought. The state was not getting enough rain. As a result, there was a shortage of water. So, the students proposed ways to use less water at their school. Their ideas included changing the landscaping. Grass could be replaced by plants that needed less water. The students looked into getting toilets and faucets that use less water, too.

Students Win Prize Money

The school made many changes. And the students' water-saving plan won the contest! They received $25,000 in prize money. "Students at Washington Middle School will now go up to teachers and let them know there is a leak," said Fiona Paredes. Fiona is one of the Water Guardians. She is 15 years old. "The students are more aware of the environment now." Jim Byerum was impressed by the group's plan. He is the president of California Domestic Water Company, a water supplier. Byerum saw the group present their idea to the city government in 2015. He said he was impressed by their hard work and good ideas. "It blew me away," Byerum said. "This community should be fully supporting this group."

A Trip To The State Assembly

The group's work isn't done. They will soon make another trip to the State Assembly. They will discuss the bill with lawmakers and go over possible additions. Then lawmakers will vote on the bill. They will decide if it should become a law. The Guardians also want to encourage other students to keep thinking about how to save water. They are setting up water conservation clubs at other schools. Clubs are planned for a high school, a middle school and three elementary schools. "There are a lot of students that are aware of what we are doing," said Jessica. "We are hoping it snowballs and other students teach other students and the clubs continue to grow."