The goal of this project is to increase student interest in stem and improve academic achievement through outdoor learning experiences in their local watershed using the NOAA developed mwee framework

The specific objectives are to 1) increase youth environmental literacy through outdoor, hands-on learning experiences, 2) support teachers as they develop systemic mwees, and 3) provide high quality professional development opportunities for teachers that value their time. The project is focused on science teachers in 5 schools: aberdeen, hoquiam, lake quinault, oakville, PE ELL school districts, that have the most interest and potential to implement systemic mwees. In addition, THW will continue to offer professional development opportunities to over 90 high school and middle school teachers. THW will develop and implement classroom presentations, outdoor experiences and professional development workshops on four topics. The first is assessing stream or river health using biological (macroinvertebrate), chemical (PH, dissolved oxygen) and physical (flow, temperature) parameters that can be measured in an outdoor experience. The second, is habitat restoration through instream log jams, tree planting, or conservation. The third is ocean stewardship through tidepool explorations, microplastic and single use plastic education and marine debris cleanups. The fourth topic is built solutions like dune or beach restoration, building levees, moving people and structures to higher ground or building tsunami towers. The location of the project is grays harbor county on washington coast. The washington coast is one of the poorest regions of the state. Unemployment rates as of december 2024 were 7.1% in grays harbor county compared to the statewide average of 4.3%. Student poverty is measured by the percent of youth participating in free school lunch or reduced-price school lunch programs under the national lunch act. In these 5 school districts an average of 83% of students receive free lunches. The dropout rate average 19% and the homeless rate is an average of 6%. Depending upon the school district and an average of 53% of students are below grade level knowledge in math and 40% below in science.