GSWA - Programs for Educators

Programs & Workshops For Educators

In-class Instruction: The Watershed Model

GSWA helps teachers bring environmental education to life in the classroom. Our three-dimensional watershed model vividly illustrates to students how the actions of individual people and groups affect the quality of water in our lakes, rivers and streams. The model also helps simplify the concepts of point and nonpoint source pollution. GSWA educators have delivered their watershed model program in dozens of schools, reaching more than 1,500 children to date. Program is offered year-round depending upon availability of instructors.

For more information about the Watershed Model program or to schedule a classroom visit, please contact Hazel England, GSWA’s Director of Education and Outreach, at 973-538-3500 x20 or by writing to hengland@greatswamp.org.

Educating The Educator: Teacher Training Workshops

GSWA offers training and continuing education for local educators interested learning how to teach about sustainability topics—such as water conservation, the water cycle, biodiversity, wildlife habitats and more—inside the classroom. In 2005, we diversified our Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) workshops by introducing a Schoolyard Habitat Development module which demonstrates ways to turn school grounds into areas for wildlife observation and environmental learning. Please see below for information about upcoming teacher training workshops. Space is limited; please sign up early.

Fall 2011 Programs for Educators

Testing The Waters: Introduce Your Students To The Science of Water Quality — November 19

Description:Join GSWA for a pilot workshop to find out just how much can be learned from testing local streams and ponds in the Great Swamp watershed. We will use inexpensive, easy-to-obtain water quality test kits to maximize the scientific know-how you take away from this hands-on program.

The workshop will take place indoors and out, and will feature engaging lessons that introduce and deepen your students’ understanding of water resource issues. All activities will relate to core content standards outlined by the state, and will provide fun, hands-on instruction to help your students gain real-world science experience. Participants will end the workshop with a new understanding of the importance of chemical and biological water quality monitoring and the uses of data generated by water testing Use this opportunity to amplify messages about water pollution among your students.

The program is suitable for formal and informal educators teaching in grades 3-12 and beyond. This workshop is co-sponsored by Great Swamp Watershed Association and the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge (Great Swamp N.W.R.). Professional development credits are available. Please dress appropriately for the weather and for outdoor activity inside Great Swamp N.W.R.

For more information, please call Hazel England at 973-538-3500 x20 or write to hengland@greatswamp.org. Space is limited; please register early.

Saturday, November 19, 2011, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center, Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, 32 Pleasant Plains Road, Harding Twp. (Basking Ridge), NJ 07976.

Fees: $15/person (includes continental breakfast); please register online to pay.

Project WET: Generation 2! Workshop — Date TBA

Description:A brand new version of the amazing Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide is here!! Attend this refresher workshop and get your copy before they disappear! There are many reasons to get the new updated guide: it’s loaded with dozens of new activities; its comprehensive revisions catapult you into the 21st century; it contains new links to extensive literature and technology resources; it’s laid out in full color for the very first time! Need more reasons to join us? The three-hour refresher workshop is FREE! If you have attended a previous six-hour Project WET workshop, bring the original guide you received there and we will exchange it for you. See below for special registration* instructions. The course code for this workshop is EW0501CD12.

When & Where:Date & time to be announced. Location: GSWA Offices, 568 Tempe Wick Road, Morristown, NJ 07976.

*To Register: Contact Pamela Mayer, NJAES—OCPE c/o Project W.E.T., 102 Ryders Lane, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8519. Phone: (732) 932-9271. Fax: (732) 932-1187. Email: pspring@rci.rutgers.edu. The course code for this workshop is EW0501CD12.

For more information, please call Hazel England at 973-538-3500 x20 or write to hengland@greatswamp.org.