Mt Pleasant NRC - Forum “Rain, where does it go?”, Mt Pleasant 18/9/03

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Sometimes being a weather geek gives me the opportunity to get invloved in more than just data collection. A surprise email back in June of 2003 from the Mt Pleasant Natural Rescource Centre invited me to be a part of a rainfall forum. The forum aimed at giving primary school kids an awareness of the importance of rainfall and water on ourselves and local environment. My own weather obsession started when I was in primary school. A rain obsessed farmer Uncle (and you know who you are) sparked my interest early and a rain gauge one birthday finished me for good. I was hooked! My interest has stayed with me all these years and what more perfect opportunity to recruit more geeks to the weather cause than the Forum. I nervously accepted the invitation.

The Mt Pleasant Natural Resource Centre is managed by an active Management Committee, a Co-ordinator and volunteers. The NRC provides a range of natural resource management & services to property owners and other stakeholders within the Northern Mt Lofty Ranges including the Barossa.

The "boss" of the NRC is Claire Stephenson and was responsible for making the day happen. Claire was everywhere on the day, keeping us presenters in line and trying not to stress too much....

Claire Stephenson.

Claire may have been the boss, but the driving force behind the day was Sue Simpson. A volunteer for the NRC, it was Sues enthusiasm and "make it happen" attitude that overcame all hurdles to make the day a success. Sue was also responsible for the chocolate cake I found hiding in the tea room!

Sue Simpson

Six schools from the region were invloved with the kids ranging from years 3 to 7. The schools taking part included

• Palmer PS
• Sedan PS
• Mt Torrens PS
• Williamstown PS
• Birdwood PS
• Angaston PS

Classes from each of the schools have been collecting rainfall data over the past few months. Besides being an excellent "hands on" exercise recording the rain has helped give the kids an understanding of their local climate and how important a part of everyday day life the water cycle is. After all if doesn't rain we are all in some serious trouble, especially important in this year of water restrictions. Of course there is also the maths side of things which takes place at the end of each month when the totals are compiled. Isn't that what calculators are for?? LOL!

As part of the day each school prepared a poster on the topic at hand. A talented bunch of artists all, their efforts can be seen below

 

The day was organised into 4 activities with groups from each school moving between the presentations as the day progressed. These activities covered a range of topics that gave the kids an insight into some of the differing aspects of "Rain, where does it go" The list below summarises each activity and it's presenter. Click on the activity for some pictures and a small description of each.

• Act-a-catchment : Caroline Mussared, retired Water Watch co-ordinator, Onkaparinga
• Severe Weather : Tim Eckert & Kathryn Wall, Australian Severe weather Assoc (ASWA)
• Macroinvertebrates: Amy Slocombe, KESAB Patawolonga and Torrens Water Watch
• Make a rain gauge: Tim Thorpe, webmaster www.hillsrain.com and Adelaide Hills Weekender weather reporter..