Global Classroom Book Club: Written in Water

Announcing: Global Classroom’s second annual book club, in partnership with The Seattle Times Newspapers in Education and The Center for Global Studies at the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies

Program includes 10 OSPI Clock Hours upon completion of 3-part series

The first 25 educators to register will receive a free copy of Written in Water: Messages of Hope for Earth's Most Precious Resource, sponsored by The Center for Global Studies at the Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies. Register today!

We take for granted that water is the foundation of life: our world doesn’t stand a chance without it. Access to clean, safe water for drinking, sanitation, and agriculture is scarce in so many places around the world—and this fact has consequences that impact us all. Our book club explores the geographical, economic, social, and political dimensions of the worldwide water crisis, and challenges teachers to take on one of the most pressing issues of our time with their young students.

Participants will read chapters from the anthology Written in Water: Messages of Hope for Earth's Most Precious Resource, and educators will incorporate portions of the book into their classroom teaching. Written in Water comprises of a collection of essays authored by heroes and leaders in the field of water solutions and innovations—a broad range of people from varied disciplines who have contributed to bringing awareness to and conserving Earth’s freshwater supply. This book is interdisciplinary and chapters are appropriate for Middle and High School students especially.

Participants in the book club attend 2 discussion sessions, each focused on different chapters from the book. Discussion sessions are 1.5 hours. Educators will also be asked to create classroom curriculum using the text, and to demonstrate how the book will be used in future teaching. Upon completion of 2 discussion sessions and submission of curriculum, eligible educators will earn 10 OSPI clock hours.

Session One:

Tuesday, March 28th from 6:00PM-7:30PM at The Seattle Times Building (1000 Denny Way, Seattle, WA 98109)
• Our first session will introduce the book, and focus specifically on ‘A World That Works,’ a chapter by Bill McKibben.
• Bill McKibben, author, educator, environmentalist, and co-founder of 350.org, has prepared a video introduction. In it, Bill will introduce his background and interests in concerns around water and climate change, and his work in India, where the chapter is set.
• We will also be joined by Marla Smith-Nilson, Founder and Executive of Water1st International. Marla will lead a conversation around Water1st’s groundbreaking work in facilitating clean water access in India and Bangladesh.

Session Two:

TBD, in consultation with book club participants