Watershed Experiences get students outside to observe, ask questions, investigate, take action, and deepen their scientific understanding and connection to their local watersheds. Each Watershed Experience begins with a current environmental issue and research question of direct meaning and importance to students and local communities. A series of essential questions helps teachers guide students through standards-aligned introductory activities, classroom-based research, inquiry-based field investigations, and a student-led action. Students gain independence as learners, thinkers, and problem-solvers as they participate in relevant, issue-based Watershed Experiences.
What species live in my neighborhood? Students investigate the species that live within their local watershed habitats and the resources that those species (and they) need.
How is climate change affecting your watershed? Students investigate evidence of global climate change in Maine watersheds and work with their schools and communities to respond and adapt.
How has my watershed shaped my community? How has my community shaped my watershed? To find out, students investigate local connections to watershed resources.
What questions are scientists asking about natural resources in Maine? Students explore and investigate issues facing natural resources within their watershed.
Watershed Experiences
Watershed Experiences get students outside to observe, ask questions, investigate, take action, and deepen their scientific understanding and connection to their local watersheds. Each Watershed Experience begins with a current environmental issue and research question of direct meaning and importance to students and local communities. A series of essential questions helps teachers guide students through standards-aligned introductory activities, classroom-based research, inquiry-based field investigations, and a student-led action. Students gain independence as learners, thinkers, and problem-solvers as they participate in relevant, issue-based Watershed Experiences.
All My Watershed Neighbors
What species live in my neighborhood? Students investigate the species that live within their local watershed habitats and the resources that those species (and they) need.
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Grade Level: Five, Six
Inquiry Type: Structured
Climate Change and Your Watershed
How is climate change affecting your watershed? Students investigate evidence of global climate change in Maine watersheds and work with their schools and communities to respond and adapt.
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Grade Level: Eight, Five, Seven, Six
Inquiry Type: Guided
Community Connections to a Maine Watershed
How has my watershed shaped my community? How has my community shaped my watershed? To find out, students investigate local connections to watershed resources.
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Grade Level: Five, Six
Inquiry Type: Guided
Ecosystem Health: Checking the Vital Signs of a Maine Watershed
Is my local ecosystem healthy? Students use a variety of indicators to investigate and assess the health of a local ecosystem.
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Grade Level: Eight, Seven
Inquiry Type: Guided
Invasive Species Impacts On Biodiversity In A Maine Watershed
How diverse is my local ecosystem? Students compare local biodiversity counts to those in other areas of their watershed.
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Grade Level: Eight, Seven
Inquiry Type: Guided
Natural Resources and ME
What questions are scientists asking about natural resources in Maine? Students explore and investigate issues facing natural resources within their watershed.
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Grade Level: Five, Six
Inquiry Type: Structured
VV Idea Bank: My Own Backyard
What do I know about my own backyard? This Watershed Experience is currently in development. Read our outline and send us your great ideas!
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Grade Level: Five, Six
Inquiry Type: Structured