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Mapping the Future seeks to address the strategic areas set forward in the NIQWP RFA through two primary objectives: To assess the state and impact of youth-water programming through a critical analysis of past and current models, with regard to knowledge gaps and paradigmatic frameworks; and to articulate a new paradigm for youth-water programming, including identification of key components, appropriate outcomes, and a roadmap for implementation by CSREES. <P>The analysis will address the following strategic interests set forward in the RFA: Identify current knowledge gaps in youth-water education and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the current youth-water education paradigm. Results of the analysis will serve as the foundation for a roadmap reflecting a new paradigm in youth-water education.<P> The road map will address the following strategic interests set forward in the RFA: Determine the components of a new paradigm for youth-water education; Develop suitable outcomes and an evaluation strategy for the listening sessions and a youth-water (CAP) initiative; and Provide input to CSREES on an appropriate structure and function of a CAP for youth and water.<P> This project frames the context for paradigmatic change in youth-water programming by grounding recommendations for future directions in past analyses, youth and water practitioners' experience, youth perspectives, and emerging knowledge in education. The roadmap will include criteria for programming as well as indicators and metrics for evaluation. <P>Educational metrics may include the ability to transfer concepts and skill, employ different modes of inquiry, frame problems and design solutions, and articulate multiple viewpoints on an issue. <P>Environmental metrics may include changes in behavior that lead to water conservation, implementation of streamside planting, water quality data collected, etc.<P> Social and developmental metrics may include the capacity to suspend judgment, identify assumptions and beliefs, enact values, and engage others in the community through leadership. <P>A preliminary presentation of findings will be made to CSREES administrators prior to the completion of the project. Final presentation of findings will be made to this group on completion of the project. Deliverables include a critical analysis in report format and a roadmap in graphic and report format.
Non-Technical Summary: It has been said that "No problem can be solved from the same consciousness that created it" (Albert Einstein). Indeed, the impetus for new directions in youth-water programming aligns with the need to adapt and thrive in increasingly complex times. The information explosion requires that we not just teach content related to water, but that all our educational ventures teach how to think, learn and create in a world with increasingly blurry borders. The success of these efforts is contingent on people who understand complex systems, who can translate across disciplines, cultures, and geographic locations, and who understand the interconnectedness between humans and the environment. As well, these efforts must not simply focus on knowledge, but on fostering relationships between young people and nature. This project will result in a vision and roadmap to inform CSREES and others committed to youth-water programming on how to cultivate this new consciousness related to water. Mapping the Future, which will be led by a national team with expertise in educational reform, water science, youth development, environmental education, and culturally grounded programming related to water, will provide an opportunity for youth to share their views and interests related to water, learning, and social action. This project will engage youth from diverse geographic, cultural and age locations in order to truly understand the breadth of their knowledge, experience, and perspectives. Mapping the Future will also provide a summary and analysis of past and current youth-water programming, including an evaluation of strengths and weaknesses, and articulation of the dominant approach and goals. The project will engage a diverse group of leading practitioners and thinkers in youth programming and water programming, other change agents from diverse professional fields, disciplinary perspectives and professional locations (e.g. private, non-profit, public), as well as youth, in the analysis of past and current programming. The findings from this analysis will be coupled with existing and emerging knowledge related to new directions for education, to create a vision and roadmap for a new paradigm in youth-water programming with recommendations for future funding in this area. The key activities and deliverables are as follows: Critical analysis of past and current models, and paradigm in which youth-water programming occurs. This includes a literature review, research and analysis of past efforts, and listening sessions/interviews with youth and adults to assist in analysis of current models. In addition, the project will result in creation of a vision and roadmap for future work in youth-water programming. This includes an identification of key components of a new paradigm in youth-water programming; recommendations for an appropriate structure for a CSREES Coordinated Agricultural Project on youth and water that fosters collaboration between 4-H and the National Water Program; and development of suitable outcomes and an evaluation strategy for a CSREES CAP initiative focused on youth and water. <P> Approach: The project will engage a broad group of stakeholders in a critical analysis and creation of a roadmap relative to youth-water programming. Participants include leaders in youth education and water science; experts in other relevant professional fields; and youth. Youth participants representing diverse geographies, cultures and ages will be invited to share their knowledge, experience and perspectives related to water, learning, and social action. Data collection methods used for the analysis will include literature review, evaluative research, listening sessions, systems analysis, and interviews. The literature review will draw on past assessments related to youth and water, and will result in a meta-summary of key findings. The analysis will include an evaluative component of the impact, strengths and limitations of the current paradigm in achieving goals and meeting current needs. It will address knowledge gaps at different scales including identification of content not well reflected in existent programming; limitations in pedagogy, design and delivery of programming; and gaps in knowledge relative to the impact and evaluation of past-current programming. It will identify normative features, assumptions, and theoretical models. The listening session protocols will be designed by the project team and facilitated by a professional third-party facilitator. A national expert in youth educational media will assist in the development of youth session protocols. Data from listening sessions may be captured through audio, written, and graphic means, and protected following IRB procedures. Findings will be made available to stakeholder groups through reports and presentations. The road map is intended to lay the foundation for a larger, systemic effort at paradigm change in youth-water programming. Educational reform experts will provide capacity building for a core team focused on building a new culture and model in youth-water programming. The training will focus on cutting edge theory and practice related to vision, mission, capacity and learning systems of large scale educational and outreach programs. It will include infusion of essential thinking skills (critical, creative, systemic, scientific, and interdisciplinary) into water programming. The roadmap will be developed by the project team, working with consultants in educational reform and educational multi-media.