Huron-clinton metropolitan authority: science and stewardship in the heart of the great lakes

This project will utilize meaningful watershed educational experiences (MWEES) to provide student-led experiential learning to expand student knowledge and appreciation of the great lakes watershed, and to provide professional development to teachers that will prepare them to engage their students in the MWEES. The huron-clinton metropolitan authority is a regional park district whose mission is to bring the benefits of nature and outdoor recreation to the people of southeast michigan. Partners on this project include the MT. Clemens middle school, located in MT. Clemens, michigan, and detroit bird alliance (detroit chapter of national audubon society) in detroit, michigan. Work to be performed includes supporting two groups of middle grade teachers in developing confidence leading place-based MWEES, integrating student-led inquiry-based outdoor education into their curriculum, and creating and carrying out new lesson plans focused on their students and school settings; and conducting a sustained, multi-year, cohesive student-led learning opportunity with 6TH-8TH grade students.