Objectives and Expected Outcomes
Objective 1
Provide comprehensive professional
development workshops to all 4th grade teachers in SPS to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively teach environmental science concepts and facilitate hands-on learning experiences related to their local watershed. (36 SPS teachers; 11 school leaders/ administrators)
Expected Outcome
SPS 4th grade teachers will gain a deeper understanding of watershed ecology, pollution issues and stewardship practices by participating and implementing the Shared Waters curriculum and accompanying MWEEs.
Objective 2
Engage 4th grade students across SPS in
immersive learning activities focused on their
local watershed, aiming to deepen their
understanding of environmental issues and foster a sense of stewardship towards their natural surroundings. (~2126 students)
Expected Outcome
SPS elementary teachers and students will be better prepared to lead environmental initiatives in their school or community, and
MWEE experiences will be sustained beyond the duration of the grant.
Objective 3
Collaborate with ODU elementary teacher
candidates over a three-year period to provide hands-on field experiences, preparing them to integrate meaningful watershed education (MWEE) into their future teaching practices.
(~180 teacher candidates)
Expected Outcome
Teacher candidates will graduate with valuable experience and skills in facilitating meaningful watershed education, positioning them as highly qualified educators capable of integrating environmental science into their future classrooms.
Objective 4
Establish a sustainable professional learning
community among 4th grade teachers within SPS, school leaders, ODU/VWU faculty, and teacher candidates, promoting ongoing collaboration, resource sharing, and professional growth to ensure the continued integration of watershed education into the curriculum and sustain environmental literacy initiatives across the district. (36 SPS teachers; 11 school leaders/administrators; 4 faculty; ~180 teacher candidates)
Expected Outcome
A network will be established between teachers, teacher leaders/administrators, faculty, and teacher candidates that fosters
ongoing professional growth and resource sharing to sustain and expand environmental education initiatives across the district in the
long term.