Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs)

Instructor(s): Peney Wright, Eric Yoder 

Description of Activity: All of central Pennsylvania is part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and there are five other watersheds that our state impact. Pennsylvania is committed to protecting these precious natural resources. A water shed is land area whose runoff drains into any river, stream, lake, and/or ocean. However, runoff from fields, lawns, pavement, and construction sites could carry potentially harmful materials from our watersheds to our rivers, bays and oceans. Even if you live, work, or play far from a river, your actions could have an impact on the quality of the water in many areas. Grants are available to fund MWEEs. 

A MWEE is…students exploring real world issues…in the field and in the classroom…students using evidence to draw conclusions and… take action! MWEEs use project-based methods, as well as, student voice and choice to engage learners in Local Issues Definition and Research, Outdoor Field Experiences, Synthesis and Conclusion, all leading towards Stewardship and Civic Action. These essential 4 student supporting practices are structured by active teacher support, local context, classroom integration and sustained activity. 

Environmental Education and Advocate Stakeholders urge all school districts to engage learners in at least one MWEE in elementary, one MWEE in middle school and one MWEE in high school.  MWEEs support PA’s New SE, EE & TE Academic Standards. During  
MWEE Session #1 we’ll walk you through a MWEE in action.  In Session #2 we will spend most of the day experiences Outdoor Field Experience. There will be time during the second session for preliminary planning for your own MWEE. 

Sessions Progression: Session #1 must be completed first, but any subsequent Session #2 workshop may be selected throughout the school year. They can be, but do not have to be, completed in close proximity. Both  sessions must be completed to earn Act 48 hours.
 

Audience: all PreK-12 educators, library/media specialists, STEM Specialists,  Instructional Coaches, special education educators

Location: Spark Lab & Outdoor Field Experience TBD