Teachers increase water stewardship teaching skills

Teachers participate in Project WET training to make their current curriculum fun and activity oriented.

If you’re looking for some fun, educational classrooms projects, all you have to do is add water. That’s what 44 teachers from northwest lower Michigan found out when they participate Project WET, an MSU Extension program focused on creative activities to enhance current curricula and promote scientific exploration and water stewardship. 

The teachers, all who teach at elementary schools in Benzie, Leelanau, Grand Traverse and Kalkaska counties, learned how to generate enthusiasm for learning during three, eight-hour classes—all of which are free thanks to the support of a Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation grant.

“My students love the creative lesson plans and how challenging the activities are,” said Nan DeLucia from Grand Traverse Academy. “They need to use investigation strategies and deductive reasoning in cooperative learning groups to solve problems. [When we do these lessons], they ask for more, so whenever I have a chance I know the activities contained in this book will engage and excite them while being age appropriate and tied to the curriculum standards.”

Nate Shivlie, Kalkaska Middle School Site Coordinator with the SEEDS after-school program said, “We have used a number of the activities and plan to use more.  Our programs are designed to supplement the school day, providing learning opportunities with programs that make learning hands-on and fun. I would recommend the class to teachers and people working with youth.”

For more information contact Roberta Dow, 231-922-4858.  Openings are still available for April and May of 2011. Teachers interested in attending should contact Jenny McKellar by April 4.

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