Watershed Education Initiative (WEI)
Through this funding, SNJ will serve 783 students in 29 classrooms throughout northern Nevada. Conducted over a four-week period, WEI includes three in-class lessons, one field-study experience, pre- and post-assessments, classroom extension lessons for teachers, family and community engagement, and citizen science. Curriculum developed and delivered by SNJ’s team of credentialed teachers aligns to state and national standards and the North American Association for Environmental Education’s Guidelines for Excellence. SNJ is continually seeking ways to expand the program. Most recently, SNJ collaborated with the Nevada Museum of Art (NMA) to create a successful watershed-focused STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) program for local 6th grade students.
TMWA Benefit:
This program satisfies the TRF Grant Priorities I, II and VI – Aquatic Invasive Species, Watershed Improvements, and Stewardship and Environmental Awareness. It instructs students to understand their impacts on the local watershed, learn about aquatic invasive species, and teaches them to become better stewards of the Truckee River. It also engages parents as part of the curriculum to engage in student learning, discuss the importance of protecting our water resources, and increase watershed awareness, as well as share knowledge in the community.