Watershed Educational Experience

Prepare to get wet as we enter the creek and search for critters to be our indicators of the health of our watershed. Students participate in activities defining watersheds, identifying threats and appropriate human behaviors.  Students study the chemistry and macro invertebrates found in Sowell Branch Creek, which transects our facility. Next, they use canoes to explore Walnut Creek with lifeguard-certified canoe instructors. While in the canoes, we discuss human impacts to watersheds and how scientists use a secchi disc to study turbidity. Finally, after we collect the data and synthesize our results, the students discuss behaviors they can implement to minimize their impact on watersheds.

This program is designed to meet the Virginia SOLs for 6th grade students (Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience), though it can be adapted to meet the needs of all grade levels.

Curriculum is provided directly to teachers to enhance classroom teachings before and after the program.