Translator Disclaimer
24 May 2022 Developing Young Watershed Citizen Scientists through Professional Partnerships in the Classroom
Gabrielle Godfrey, Stephanie B. Laplaca, Melissa M. Heintz
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

What's in Our Waters Jr. (WOW Jr.) is an environmental outreach program designed to teach fourth grade elementary students about watershed protection. This program is unique because of the partnership that brings together students, teachers, scientists, and water resource professionals to promote science education and environmental stewardship in the classroom through mentorship and hands-on learning activities. WOW Jr. is co-led by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service (4-H Youth Development and Water Resources Programs) and Clemson University Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program. The major themes covered in WOW Jr. are watersheds, water pollution, and water conservation and protection. The curriculum is designed to help teachers meet several South Carolina academic standards for fourth grade science. Pre- and post-surveys administered to students to assess program effectiveness and progress over time show that engagement with science professionals increases achievement of state standards and knowledge of watershed protection by environmental stewardship, and it alters students' perceptions of scientists.

Gabrielle Godfrey, Stephanie B. Laplaca, and Melissa M. Heintz "Developing Young Watershed Citizen Scientists through Professional Partnerships in the Classroom," The American Biology Teacher 84(4), 202-206, (24 May 2022). https://doi.org/10.1525/abt.2022.84.4.202
Published: 24 May 2022
JOURNAL ARTICLE
5 PAGES

This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
+ SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

Share
SHARE
KEYWORDS
environmental outreach
fourth grade science
mentorship
water pollution
Watershed protection
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top