Gilbert Public Schools will hold its 12th Annual Water Festival for the district’s fourth-grade students March 8-9. 

Superintendent Dr. Shane McCord, the town of Gilbert, Mayor Brigette Peterson and Arizona Project WET will attend the festival from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. outside the Gilbert Civic Center, 50 E. Civic Center Drive, Gilbert.  

The Arizona Water Festival is an interactive experience, teaching more than 1,800 students about water education and conservation.  

During the two-day festival, students engage in hands-on activities exploring groundwater, watersheds, the water cycle and water conservation technology. With the help of their teachers and community volunteers, students will play games, do experiments and have small group discussions.  

The festival is the culmination of weeks of learning for students and staff. As part of the Arizona Water Festival Program, GPS teachers received professional development and 10 lessons to use in their classroom to promote exploration and inquiry. The Water Festival wraps up the fourth-grade curriculum unit.  

Fourth-grade students from 26 GPS elementary campuses will have the opportunity to participate in the festival for about two hours of their school day. The festival will also feature two appearances by Peterson.