Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2003DC38B

Water Environment Studies in Schools Training Program

Institute: District of Columbia
Year Established: 2003 Start Date: 2003-03-01 End Date: 2004-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $9,000 Total Non-Federal Funds: $18,000

Principal Investigators: Jo Anne Favors, Jo Anne Favors

Project Summary: We are constantly being made aware of the great damage being impacted upon the environment and, in turn, on our future generations and ourselves around the world. Key to the conservation of our natural resources is the education of the citizenry. The Water Environment Studies in Schools Training Program is designed to develop a system of environmental education within the DC Public Schools as a first step to initiating teachers to elements that will provide them with a foundation for teaching environmental studies at the same level of importance as other disciplines in school today. This team of trained teachers will enhance problem solving strategies, learner centered methods, and cooperative learning approaches specifically related to water. The anticipation is to increase participation of minority youths in environmental issues and highlight the effects they have on the environment defined by water. The program will also reinforce skills standard in math, science, and computer technology necessary for the restoration and preservation of the Anacostia River Watershed. Efforts to improve the ecological integrity, aquatic diversity, and water quality of the Anacostia River Watershed by reducing pollutant loads will be demonstrated. Overall, the program will train and familiarize both teachers and students with the unique careers in environmental and water quality management.