Connecting Youth to Their Watershed with GLOBE

Abstract

"Engaging students in science literacy through hands-on programming improves information retention and supports investigative learning. This summer, Welty Environmental Center hosted Muddy Waters STEMinist Camp, its first week-long Girls in STEM camp for middle- and high-school-age girls in the WI-IL stateline region. Campers implemented GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) hydrosphere protocols to learn more about aquatic sciences and support NASA research. Our goals included introducing campers to their watershed in a memorable way, encouraging them to view themselves as citizen scientists, and welcoming professionals from various sectors to give campers an overview of the field. Campers went away with an improved understanding of the watershed in which they live as well as increased interest in pursuing, and acknowledging the importance of, STEM careers. This camp provides a framework for other organizations to develop similar camps to encourage diversity in STEM fields.

Presenter: Darien Becker, Welty Environmental Center"