Water Olympics Mark End of Yearlong Study of Water

The Middle Schoolers begin their exploration in the fall by reading A Long Walk to Water, through which they learn about one of the "Lost Boys" of Sudan — Salva Dut — who now gives back to his homeland of South Sudan by building wells. They also raise funds to build a well in South Sudan.

The students continue learning about the importance of clean water by exploring the James River in their history classes. They finish their studies with discoveries about the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome and how water was essential for their survival.

This includes a study of how the Olympics got started in Ancient Greece — which serves as the launchpad for the grade-level Water Olympics that feature events requiring collaboration, creativity and science.