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Tuesday, March 24, 2009

"Water Week" events help HCH students examine role of water

HANCOCK -- This week students at Hancock Central High School (HCH) are participating in "Water Week" a thematic unit focusing on freshwater. In conjunction with World Water Day, which was Sunday, Mar. 22, "Water Week" events are intended to give the students of HCH a close look at the role water plays in all of our lives.*

State Rep. Mike Lahti (D-Hancock) kicked off "Water Week" on Monday, Mar. 23, with a presentation explaining to students the water-related issues he sees as a state legislator. Keweenaw Now photographer Gustavo Bourdieu captured some highlights of Rep. Lahti's talk in these videoclips.



State Rep. Mike Lahti (D-Hancock) addresses Hancock Central High School (HCH) students and visitors at the opening event for "Water Week" on Monday, Mar. 23, in the HCH gym. (Videoclips © 2009 Gustavo Bourdieu)



State Rep. Mike Lahti speaks to Hancock students about the current issue of sulfide and copper mining in the Western U.P.

On Tuesday, Mar. 24, Congressman Bart Stupak joined HCH students via tele-conference from Washington, D.C., to discuss his role as the "Guardian of the Great Lakes."

Throughout the week, the faculty of HCH, in cooperation with instructors from Finlandia University and other community partners, are conducting water-related activities and lessons to address the significance of this greatly under appreciated natural resource.

Activities include stream monitoring on Swedetown Creek, demonstrations by the U.S. Coast Guard, rowing for exercise by Terry Smythe and writing using water as a metaphor by Finlandia professor Lauri Anderson.

Lectures by community partners Ron Gratz, John Gagnon, Alex Mayer, Dave Pihlaja, and John Pekkala, as well as presentations by Finlandia faculty Denise Vandeville and Judy Budd, are also scheduled. An assembly with meteorologist John Dee will address the effects water has on weather.

To cap off the water activities, students will have the opportunity to dunk their teachers in the dunk tank.

* Editor's Note: International World Water Day is held annually on March 22 as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. For more information visit the World Water Day Web site.

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