Water is always going somewhere. When rivers and streams share a common destination, they're known as a "watershed." For example, the Potomac River and its tributaries are part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed because they converge into the Chesapeake Bay. Each stream, creek, and river is part of a larger watershed. Watershed experiences are investigations, studying local environmental conditions that can indicate needed stewardship actions. They're also a way to study your environment up close - the plants, creatures and water content that populate the water flowing around you. Scientific data gathered during watershed activities plays a role in decisions that affect ecosystem health. Here are a few organizations that can connect you with watershed activities: ![]() MWEEs are learner-centered experiences that focus on investigations into local environmental issues that lead to informed stewardship actions. They are composed of multiple elements that include learning both outdoors and in the classroom, and are designed to increase the environmental literacy of all student participants. All students, regardless of where they live or their social or economic status, should have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from MWEEs. Local Watershed Experiences (Maryland & Chesapeake Bay)![]() ![]() As with other problem and project-based approaches to learning, MWEEs provide standards-driven student learning within the context of life-relevant, real-world problems or phenomena. Investigations frequently take place on school grounds or with a field-based education provider like the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Finally, MWEEs culminate in student action projects, which can take many forms, including environmental restoration or protection, everyday choices, community engagement, and civic action. |
Last updated: March 25, 2021