After building your students’ water literacy in Units 1-4 , challenge them to turn their knowledge into environmental action. Use the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) Educator’s Guide to the Framework. MWEES were systematized over 20 years ago to support environmental action in the Chesapeake Bay. Since that time it has become the core of the NOAA-BWET (Bay Watershed Education and Training) program, a national education program with students at the heart of actions to improve water quality in coastal environments.
Students will decide what environmental issue they would like to investigate further. Revisit any issues they raised concerns about, but also give them one or several class period to review and hone their ideas — discuss, debate and decide .
Below are the Essential Elements of a Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience (MWEE) .
Issue Definition
Here is your opportunity to be a catalyst for student conversations. This should be learner -centered inquiry. From here, students should be able to determine their research approach — what resources are available, how can they find the answers to their questions and what is a reliable source.
Outdoor Field Experience
The outdoor investigation will enable students to collect information and evidence related to their issue recorded through simple observations as well as scientific data.
Synthesis and Conclusion
During Synthesis and Conclusion, students reflect on their experience and investigation related to the issue and share their claims, evidence and reasoning with each other
Environmental Action Project
As a result of their investigations, students identify solutions and develop Environmental Action Projects that directly address the issue within their school, neighborhood, or community. Students are actively engaged in and, to the extent possible, drive the decision-making, planning, and implementation of the action project. Teachers facilitate this process by forming groups, moderating, and answering questions. Students reflect on the value of the action and determine the extent to which it successfully addressed the issue.
Ready to explore a MWEE? Check out two of our Mini-Units below. These activities outline an action project to engage your students in Environmental Stewardship at the local level.
MWEEs should reflect an issue that is meaningful and important to your students. You can also use the Bay Backpack website for examples, case studies and other tools to help you when designing one with students.