Alice Springs students will soon be able to explore their local water story in the classroom, with Power and Water’s That’s My Water! education program expanding to Central Australia for the first time.

For more than 10 years, That’s My Water! has helped Territory students understand where their water comes from, how it is used and why managing it sustainably matters.

The Alice Springs program will bring that learning closer to home, helping students explore the water and wastewater systems that support their community through hands-on activities, real-world examples and immersive technology.

A new virtual reality experience will allow students to follow the Alice Springs water journey from the Roe Creek Borefields to the town’s elevated water tanks, helping them understand the infrastructure and work involved in getting water to local homes and schools.

Power and Water Manager Water Demand Joel Spry said expanding the program would give local teachers new tools to connect students with an essential resource that is particularly important in Central Australia.

‘Launching That’s My Water! in Alice Springs gives local educators the tools to connect students with the essential water and wastewater infrastructure that supports their community,’ he said.

‘Teachers play an important role in inspiring curiosity, and providing hands-on activities and a new virtual experience will bring the local water story to life.

‘The resources and professional learning will also make it easier to bring real-world STEM learning into the classroom, while helping students understand the value of water and how to use it wisely.’

The Alice Springs program was launched on 20 August in partnership with the Alice Springs STEM Educators Network, facilitated by Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre.

Local teachers and STEM stakeholders came together for a professional development session, including a first look at the new virtual reality experience and a guided tour of the Alice Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant. Teachers also received practical resources to support delivery of the program in their classrooms.

Aligned with the Australian Curriculum, the interactive 10-week program uses age-appropriate STEM activities to build water literacy and help students identify opportunities to use water wisely at school and at home.

The expansion is also about building knowledge and skills for the future. Connecting young Territorians with real-world science and essential services can help inspire future scientists, engineers, environmental specialists and essential service workers.

That’s My Water! Alice Springs forms part of Power and Water’s work to extend the reach of the Living Water Smart initiative into regional and remote communities across the Northern Territory.