Inspire the next generation!

bug id station for STEM class
Volunteers set up our bug ID stations for students

Enjoy being outdoors while engaging local students in a series of hands-on stream ecology lessons that teach the importance of water quality and protecting the watershed. Learn how to teach small groups of students how to determine a stream’s health through measuring conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, turbidity, and stream discharge, erosion and speed. The training will also cover how to collect and identify aquatic benthic macroinvertebrates, explain what the organisms reveal about stream health, and examine how their physical adaptions allow them to live in dynamic water systems.

Trainings occur twice a year (fall and spring) and last for two hours. HRWC’s Education Consultant Janet Kahan will meet with volunteers at a local stream to demonstrate the equipment, experiments, and how to engage with students of different ages. New participants must attend one training session.

Volunteers are expected to commit to at least 3 education programs in the fall (September/October) or spring (April/May). The programs only take place during school hours and usually last between 3-4 hours depending on class size.

set up stream bank measurement activity
This volunteer is setting up lines so students can measure stream discharge

No prior teaching experience is necessary. Teachers, scientists, college students, and enthusiastic locals are all encouraged to participate! Volunteers are encouraged to wear layers, bring water, snacks and sunscreen.

Ready to get outside and inspire the next generation? Fill out our Volunteer Sign up Form here.

Are you a Teacher?

Check out our Teacher Resources page here or contact Jason Frenzel, HRWC Volunteer Coordinator at jfrenzel@hrwc.org or (734) 519-0337.