Get WET

Goal: To train teachers in field-based, classroom-supported watershed education.

Details: Get WET trains and supports teachers to allow them to lead their own field experiences and follow-up activities for students, facilitating longer-term meaningful watershed education experiences that do not rely on external expertise. The project will serve at least 50 new middle- and high-school teachers per year during the first two years; 110+ new teachers over 3 years; and, through them, approximately 4,700 students from across New England. The project will continue through March 30, 2013. Components of the project include:

1 Employing a collaborative project structure
Get WET partner institutions will generate greater impact than each could effect individually. Participating teachers benefit from each partner’s unique expertise; opportunities to work with peers from other states; and connections with regional marine educator networks.

2 Utilizing local field-based resources. All partners are nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing ocean literacy, with experience teaching in and about the local ecosystem. Each partner institution works with a local school system, and the project encompasses both urban and rural districts.

3 Capitalizing on existing education resources. The project establishes formal connections with NOAA advisors and other New England BWET programs, providing deep sources of content and activities from which teacher-participants can draw.

4 Supporting participants’ continuing professional development.. Teacher-participants receive funding to present at NMEA Chapter and National Conferences, and past participants are invited to present at subsequent Get WET trainings.

For more information: Billy Spitzer, New England Aquarium, bspitzer@neaq.org