By Steve Mohapp
Students from St. Laurentius Catholic School of the Arts & Sciences in Philadelphia recently visited neighborhood parks to test water quality and help monitor the health of the Delaware River. After collecting data, the students picked up litter around the park, connecting watershed science with stewardship of their local environment.
Connecting Students With Their Environment
The visit was part of a growing partnership between Stroud Water Research Center and parochial schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to provide place-based field experiences for students and professional development for teachers. With funding from the Connelly Foundation, elementary and middle school students from local Catholic schools have participated in hands-on field studies focused on freshwater ecology, watershed science, and stream restoration.
“This was an invaluable service learning experience where students connected with their environment, became stewards of a beloved park, and learned more about the scientific method by actively engaging in an outdoor laboratory experience,” says Lauren Borrasso, a second-grade teacher at St. Laurentius.
Supporting Teachers for Outdoor Learning
The partnership also supports teachers in creating lasting opportunities for outdoor learning. Teachers from St. Patrick School in Malvern participated in professional development with the Stroud Center to design and create an outdoor learning space on their campus and integrate it into their school curricula.
Through field studies, teacher training, and outdoor learning spaces, the Stroud Center is helping schools connect science education with stewardship of local waterways and communities. Educators interested in bringing watershed education to their schools can request an education program through the Stroud Center.
