VitalVenture Watershed Experiences offer Maine middle school teachers a model and means for incorporating proven inquiry-based instructional methods in their everyday teaching practice. Depending on student needs, prior experiences, and classroom learning goals, a Watershed Experience may play out in classrooms at any one of three successive levels of inquiry: Structured, Guided, or Open. Together the Watershed Experiences offer a logical, achievable continuum of inquiry from grade 5 through 8.
Place-based learning is a philosophy of education that uses the local community and surrounding environment as an integrating context for multidisciplinary learning. A growing body of education research shows that place-based learning provides students with a local context and relevance that inspires and motivates them to learn, serve their communities, and help protect their environment. In many cases, students’ enthusiasm for place-based learning projects also helps to engage parents in student learning and school or community activities.
Involving students in authentic, hands-on learning outside their classroom is an essential component of every Watershed Experience. Getting outside gives students opportunities to connect with their local environment or community, gain new perspectives, meet new people, and practice new skills. All of these new perspectives, experiences, and skills become part of the fabric of their learning when they return to the classroom.
The ideal VitalVenture learning experience engages Maine students with core science and social studies concepts over four successive years. At each grade level (5-8), a new Watershed Experience lets students construct a more sophisticated understanding of systems, hone investigation skills and scientific habits of mind, and apply and extend their learning into local communities.
Instructional Methods
Inquiry Instruction
VitalVenture Watershed Experiences offer Maine middle school teachers a model and means for incorporating proven inquiry-based instructional methods in their everyday teaching practice. Depending on student needs, prior experiences, and classroom learning goals, a Watershed Experience may play out in classrooms at any one of three successive levels of inquiry: Structured, Guided, or Open. Together the Watershed Experiences offer a logical, achievable continuum of inquiry from grade 5 through 8.
Learn More »
Place-Based Learning
Place-based learning is a philosophy of education that uses the local community and surrounding environment as an integrating context for multidisciplinary learning. A growing body of education research shows that place-based learning provides students with a local context and relevance that inspires and motivates them to learn, serve their communities, and help protect their environment. In many cases, students’ enthusiasm for place-based learning projects also helps to engage parents in student learning and school or community activities.
Read More for tips on getting started in YOUR place »
Taking Students Outside
Involving students in authentic, hands-on learning outside their classroom is an essential component of every Watershed Experience. Getting outside gives students opportunities to connect with their local environment or community, gain new perspectives, meet new people, and practice new skills. All of these new perspectives, experiences, and skills become part of the fabric of their learning when they return to the classroom.
Read More for tips on taking YOUR students outside »
Learning Continuum
The ideal VitalVenture learning experience engages Maine students with core science and social studies concepts over four successive years. At each grade level (5-8), a new Watershed Experience lets students construct a more sophisticated understanding of systems, hone investigation skills and scientific habits of mind, and apply and extend their learning into local communities.
Learn more »