With a variety of climate change issues in the news today, teaching children about humans' impact on the environment can be a challenge.

An exhibit opens today in the HUB art gallery showcasing elementary school students' artwork about what they think of the water cycle and how humans impact it.

The art was produced after the UW Earth Club and UW Water First participated in environmental outreach programs, teaching elementary school students how the water cycle functions and how they can make a positive impact on it in their everyday lives.

After the lesson, the students were asked to draw a picture explaining what water means to them.

"It's crucial [for children] to understand the water cycle to understand where the water comes from," said senior Kate Selting, a UW Earth Club member.

The artwork varies from a picture of falling rain to an elaborate drawing suggesting ways people can save water while getting ready each morning.

One student's piece simply stated, "You can make an impact."

This is the third year an exhibit like this one has been showcased in the HUB.

"The first year, we had a really great reaction because it's different from what is usually here," said senior Laura Knudsen an Earth Club officer. "It's by the kids, and it makes people stop and see how they see it."

The project was not only a beneficial experience for the elementary students but also reminded UW students of the importance of water.

"When you're teaching it to someone else, especially kids, it makes it so much more clear in your own mind that we have to stop and think about it," Selting said.

Though the programs are geared toward elementary-aged students, the basic ideas still apply to college students.

"[Elementary students] already know so much, and a lot of them are really interested in what we have to say," Knudsen said. "But having college-age students come and teach, ... it sets a good model, and it's a good refresher for us."

Many of the children that are a part of the project will be on campus next Wednesday along with Marla Smith-Nilson, executive director water first international.

Nilson will be speaking on the global water issues in Mary Gates Hall room 242 at 6:30 pm. Admission to the event is free.

The issue of water is something that we need to continue to think about, Selting said. Selting hopes people will continue to see water as an important issue.

"It is something that impacts every single person, every single animal and every single living being," she said.

Reach reporter Celia Hunko at news@thedaily.washington.edu.