Project SWELL has been busy preparing San Diego’s future leaders to understand the role of water in our region and in our future by preparing those who teach them to talk about the importance of the region’s waterways. Last month, we partnered with the San Diego Unified School District and Think Blue for two free workshops for K-2nd and 4th-6th grade teachers.
As part of our efforts to promote environmental education and increase science knowledge and stewardship among San Diego children, both workshops and science SWELL kits were made available to 20 San Diego-area school teachers.
As part of that process we heard from teachers regarding what they found most valuable about Project SWELL Professional Development workshops. We are always happy to get feedback that helps us to hone and further develop processes, lessons and other facets of the program.
The teachers who participated reported enjoying learning to use the Project SWELL kits, which include all the materials that their students need to learn Project SWELL curriculum. Teachers said the kits would both engage and reach their students. Another highlight they mentioned was the background information about storm water pollution and pollution prevention that can be used to reinforce and support the curriculum.
The teachers also had the opportunity to explore Project SWELL website and learn how teaching SWELL can help their students realize Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.
Overwhelmingly and to our delight, teachers repeatedly reported that they liked to share ideas with other teachers and learn all they can about our local habitats, pollution prevention and the importance of keeping our waters clean!
Realizing that the website allowed them the opportunity to do both, the teachers were thrilled to find lessons and materials that help their students not only learned about our environment, but also develop the critical thinking skills young people develop when engaging in hands-on science activities.
We were happy to see teachers getting SWELL for their classrooms because we know they are going to be teaching hundreds of student and preparing San Diego’s leaders of tomorrow to protect the environment! That is great news for the future of fishable, swimmable, drinkable waters.
If you want to participate in the next free workshop or want to get a SWELL kit for your classroom please contact Project SWELL at [email protected].
A special thanks our sponsors Subway in Kearny Mesa and Barons Market in Point Loma for providing refreshments for our dedicated teachers!
