Every Drop Counts! Inspiring the Next Generation of Water Savers

Every Drop Counts! Inspiring the Next Generation of Water Savers

How much water do you think you use in a day? Most of us have no idea, and that’s exactly what children across Surrey and London will be finding out in Every Drop Counts!, an interactive series of school workshops led by Professor Benjamin Gardner (University of Surrey, Department of Psychology).

Designed for primary school pupils aged 7–11, these fun and thought-provoking sessions use games, props, and challenges to spark curiosity about water conservation. Children will:

• Discover the hidden journey of a single drop of water, from cloud to cup.

• Take on the 'Water Use Challenge', guessing how much water everyday activities like toothbrushing, showering, or washing dishes really consume.

• Dream up new inventions to help save water at home and share their big ideas with classmates.

• Make a Water Pledge, committing to one change they’ll carry into their daily lives, and share with their families.

At the end of each workshop, children will earn a “Water Wise” certificate and sticker, classrooms will display a pledge wall and water-saver plaque, and schools will receive specially chosen water-themed books to keep the conversation flowing.

With climate change and water scarcity among the biggest challenges of our time, these workshops empower children not only to understand the issue but to become part of the solution. Every drop really does count, and every child can make a difference.

The workshops are private for specific schools, but if you are interested in finding out more about the research, or running a workshop at your school, please contact Professor Benjamin Gardner: benjamin.gardner@surrey.ac.uk

These workshops are running as part of the Economic and Social Research Council Festival of Social Science 2025. See our full programme of events here: Buy tickets – University of Surrey