Through this lesson, students learn more about water management and which little animals can be found in the ditches and waterways of Flevoland. Jan-Willem Trompetter, chief engineer at Waterschap Zuiderzeeland, talks together with volunteers Paul and Sake about their work and why it is so beneficial for teachers to use the Water Lesson.
Water management in Flevoland is not like that in other provinces. The polder province has its own unique water system, and there are no rivers to take into account. “It was all devised 70 years ago and it still works; I help with that,” Jan-Willem explains. “If I do not do my job as chief engineer properly, the pumping stations stop working and the polder floods.”
More heavy showers
A pumping station pumps excess water out of the polder. This guarantees water safety for the people of Flevoland. “The seven pumping stations in the polder usually do not all operate at the same time, but they do when it rains heavily. We are seeing more heavy showers due to climate change, which sometimes results in a lot of rainwater entering the canal in a short period. The pumping stations then have to be switched on quickly to keep the water level at the right level. Nature also benefits from this. Aquatic animals also like a pleasant water level. We make sure that the water level is optimal for everyone.”
Jan-Willem believes it is important for children to learn how the pumping station works. “This makes them aware of where we live and how much effort is required to keep this area dry. That is not something to take for granted.”
World of experience
The Water Lesson provided by the water authority, which can be booked through IVN Flevoland’s NDE guide, contributes to this knowledge in an interactive way. The lesson is provided by volunteers, such as Sake van den Berg and Paul van der Heijden. Sake explains: “The lesson is incredibly fun because it covers topics including the dikes. We live five metres below sea level here—how does that work? Subjects such as wastewater from toilets and kitchens also really appeal to the children.”
“I try to connect as much as possible with the students’ world of experience, which really differs from one place of residence and school to another,” Paul adds. “That is why I call the teacher beforehand, so that I can prepare the lesson properly. But I always include current affairs. Especially now that there are regular news reports about poor water quality and the consequences of climate change, you can show what is already being done to prevent things from getting worse.”
Everyday activities
The lesson also addresses everyday activities that most people do not realise involve the water authority as well. Paul says: “Many children, but adults too, do not know what happens when they flush the toilet or take a shower, for example. The materials we hand out are designed so that students can also carry out experiments at home with their families. The shower timer is the tool that students adopt most often: they hold competitions to see who can shower the fastest!”
Paul notes that students are often enthusiastic. “For example, about identifying aquatic animals or building a mini water purification system in groups. Even teachers join in. I also learn from the children, such as how they and their families view the world. When I was young, I often swam in open water, but that is no longer considered normal at all.”
Primary schools can win a free Water Lesson from this month onwards, including two copies of the book ‘Erop of eronder’ by Anne Pek, which is about how Holland keeps its head above water. To participate, they must book a Water Lesson through IVN Flevoland’s NDE guide (ivn.nl/nde-flevoland) and indicate in the comments that they are participating in the prize draw. Registration is possible until 28 February. The winners will be notified before their scheduled Water Lesson whether they have won.
Didn’t win? No problem! The Water Lesson can be booked throughout the school year for 35 euros. This contribution goes entirely to the volunteer who provides the lesson.