Thanks to a new grant-supported partnership between Stroud Water Research Center and local schools, hundreds of students in Avon Grove and Octorara Area school districts will explore, study, and protect their local rivers and streams.
About the Project
The Stroud Center’s Education Department is thrilled to announce a recent grant partnership with Avon Grove School District, Octorara Area School District, and Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) on a three-year initiative funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-WET) project (Grant # NA25NMFX457C0025-T1-01).
Launched this past spring, the project began with pilot outdoor field experiences for all Avon Grove fifth-graders, Octorara Middle School students, and Octorara High School agriculture education students. These activities are part of a larger goal: helping students graduate with the knowledge and skills to become stewards of their local and regional watersheds.
What’s in It for Educators?
This project is designed with teachers, administrators, and students in mind. It:
- Focuses on Pennsylvania’s new STEELS Standards (Science, Technology, Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability) so educators can meet curriculum goals while offering engaging, hands-on experiences.
- Provides professional development and support so educators feel confident leading Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs).
- Connects classroom learning to real-world science through local field investigations and data collection.
How It Works
Over three years, teachers, administrators, and grant partners will co-design and implement four MWEEs in the STEELS units of study. These experiences will incorporate all four essential elements of a MWEE:
- Issue definition.
- Outdoor field experience.
- Synthesis and conclusions.
- Environmental action projects.
In late July, partners met for a three-day professional development (PD) session to begin planning and ensure all of these elements are fully embedded in the design of curricula. The PD sessions were held at a local park, CCIU, Octorara High School, and the Stroud Center and featured outdoor lessons, use of educational technologies, curricula design, and tips about utilizing outdoor learning spaces.
Why It Matters Now
This project comes at a critical time: all Pennsylvania public school districts are transitioning to the new STEELS Standards. By partnering with the Stroud Center, school districts gain not only lesson ideas and field experiences but also a model for integrating environmental literacy into every grade level.
Get Involved
We’re excited to see these lessons come to life for our local students and to support educators in making outdoor, place-based science a regular part of school life. Keep an eye out for upcoming MWEEs in STEELS training opportunities for all educators, now regularly offered by the Stroud Center, CCIU, and other partners across the state. To learn more, visit the events page at PA Gateway to Green.
