Let’s Talk About Water

About Let's Talk About Water

Let’s Talk About Water brings attention to water and environmental issues by using film as a catalyst for discussion between science experts and the public.  Films can be powerful education tools for the sciences because they use storytelling to engage audiences emotionally, which:

• heightens audience interest
• helps the audience make meaningful connections with the subject matter
• and catalyzes a discussion

Documentary films are especially good at creating teachable moments and providing opportunities to apply critical thinking skills by testing the validity of the film’s message. 

The LTAW formula is simple: A panel of experts and the audience view a water documentary together followed by discussion between the panel and the audience. Moderators actively manage the discussion by challenging the panelists with follow up questions, asking questions to simplify language, and passing a question among panelists to bring out different points of view.

Learn more about developing a Let's Talk About Water event by viewing the video above! A 2011 EOS article also describes the general formula we have used for these events. 

CUAHSI has developed resources for hosting your own Let's Talk About Water event. Check them out here. 

Let’s Talk About Water Challenge Grant Program 

Each fall, CUAHSI hosts a Challenge Grant Competition that awards three universities up to $3,000 to support the development of their own LTAW events. Organizers often work with their university, other universities in the area, student groups, and other sources (foundations, sponsors, etc.) to hold these events. 

Questions regarding Let's Talk About Water and the Challenge Grant program can be directed to commgr@cuahsi.org.