About Stream Side Education Program

HRWC offers teachers a free stream side program that engages students in learning about water quality and protecting the watershed. Through hands-on and small group activities, students use the skills they learn in the classroom to evaluate the health of their local creek, stream or river.

The program is offered twice a year in the Fall (September/October) and Spring (April/May) for 4th-12th grade students during the school day. Teachers work with HRWC staff to schedule a date, time, location (stream or waterway close to the school) and number of classes. HRWC Coordinators work with teachers to determine best lessons to meet grade-specific goals.

On the program day, HRWC staff and a group of trained volunteer educators set up experiment stations before the students’ arrival. Students are separated into small groups and assigned to stations staffed by a volunteer. HRWC supplies worksheets for students to fill out at each station. Volunteers work with each group in timed increments. Teachers are free to interact with each group or assist as they see fit.

For longer sessions, a lunch break is scheduled. Transportation to and from the site and lunch are not provided. Parent volunteers are recommended.

Teachers can choose from ten activities that can be tailored for different age groups and class sizes. Most teachers select two to four activities for the day. HRWC staff works with teachers to pick the best combination for their students. Each group will collect data that can be used back in the classroom.

Check out our Stream Health Lessons and Classroom Activities

History

Since 2012, trained volunteers have annually led 1,500 4th-12th grade students annually from 20 schools in a series of hands-on stream ecology lessons. The program and educational worksheets were designed by the late Dave Wilson, a retired Vanderbilt University chemistry professor and HRWC board member. The educational materials were later integrated with local curriculum standards by Janet Kahan, HRWC’s environmental education consultant and a former Ann Arbor Public Schools Environmental Educator.

Ready to get started?

HRWC’s streamside education program can host a limited number of outings per season. We ask teachers to schedule events three to four months in advance. Spots fill quickly so please reach out early! Email Jason Frenzel at [email protected] to begin the process of scheduling a streamside education outing for your students!

Inspire the Next Generation!

Learn about becoming a volunteer educator with HRWC.

This program is supported by