Purpose: Teach teens about their watershed using state of-the art technologies and direct experience, and help them share their discoveries and unique perspectives with the public through web-based interactive maps, sound and video production and exhibits.
Duration: 24 - 30 hours
Location: In the field, in the LIAA computer lab, on NMC campus
Schedule Options:
- Spread across several weeks after school and on Saturdays,
- A 3-5 day Institute (Spring Break in 2007)
- A week-long summer class (College for Teens in 2007)
Guiding Principles:
1. Participants pick up the tools of technology quickly, so activities are focused on watershed concepts, direct observation in the field, and storytelling techniques.
2. The main goal, anticipated outcomes and expectations are part of each day’s conversation.
3. Initial activities are designed to quickly engage participants: moving from group demos or questions to individual contributions after everyone is comfortable with each other. On-going activities combine games, discussion, questioning, facilitated learning, journaling and reflection.
4. Technology is introduced via hands-on activities related to project outcomes, so participants can see the immediate relevance.
5. Inquiry-based learning guides the field work. Technology learning in the computer lab is more prescriptive. The storytelling process is guided by storyboards or model scripts.
6. Reflection time is built into each day of the session, to help participants link their observations, experiences and project plans to overall watershed concepts
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