Our WaterWays program helps children create connections to the natural world. Our skilled naturalists guide students through in-classroom lessons on watersheds, benthic macroinvertebrates, and groundwater. Then, we guide your group through a full stream exploration; taking measurements, making observations, and best of all – searching for benthic macroinvertebrates in the stream! The data we gather together gives us a snapshot of the health of the stream, fostering conversations on what we can do to protect our local ecosystems!

For more information, contact Director of Education, Lauren Theis

WaterWays consists of two days of learning. The first day takes place in your classroom or over Zoom, where our educators provide lessons focusing on watershed ecology and benthic macroinvertebrates. These lessons provide students with an essential understanding of watershed conservation, preparing them to become citizen scientists during the second day of learning, the stream exploration!  See below for more detailed information about each of these program segments. 

The In-Class Lessons (45 to 90 minutes)

Choose two or three half-hour lessons. These can take place over Zoom or in your classroom.

Topics include: 

The Stream Exploration (2 to 2 1/2 hours)

Our team will help you scout out an appropriate stream, river or pond near your school to serve as your class’s WaterWays field site. Busing to the site may be required, but often we can find a safe and accessible waterbody within walking distance from your school. Having a field site in your town allows students to develop a stronger sense of place and make hands-on discoveries in a familiar setting. This fosters a sense of place and promotes self efficacy in students. 

Activities include: 

Pricing

$450 per 30 students, includes the in-class lesson and one field lesson. Financial assistance is available.

To learn more about these programs – including exact pricing based on the number and size of your group – please contact Lauren Theis.