The West Virginia Project WET Program, in collaboration with West Virginia State University's CASTEM program, proudly announces the successful completion of the Worldwide Water Network STEM Camp by 17 middle school students. This virtual camp, hosted by the Project WET Program within the Watershed Improvement Branch of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, spanned four weeks and offered engaging, water-focused STEM activities for students to complete at home.
Innovative Water-Focused STEM Activities
During the camp, West Virginia middle school students participated in a variety of hands-on, interactive activities, including:- Delineating Watersheds: Students learned how to identify and map watershed boundaries, enhancing their understanding of local water systems.
- Topographic Maps: Participants gained skills in reading and interpreting topographic maps, crucial for environmental and geological studies.
- Stream Health Assessment: The camp included lessons on assessing the health of streams, teaching students how to measure water quality and identify indicators of ecosystem health.
- Building Watershed Models: Students constructed their own watershed models, applying their knowledge to create realistic and functional representations of natural water systems.
- Green Infrastructure: Within a simulated city budget, students installed green infrastructure on their watershed models, learning about sustainable development and environmental engineering.
- Exploring Ocean Acidification and Marine Life: The camp also covered ocean acidification, calcareous animals, and ocean zones, broadening students' understanding of marine ecosystems and the impact of environmental changes.
Inspiring Future Environmental Leaders
The camp was a resounding success, and we had a WONDERFUL time getting to know these bright students. Their enthusiasm and dedication to learning about water conservation and environmental science were truly inspiring. By participating in this STEM camp, these young students have taken significant steps towards becoming future leaders in environmental stewardship.
Join Us in Celebrating Their Achievement
We invite you to join us in celebrating the accomplishments of these talented middle school students. Their commitment to understanding and protecting our water resources is commendable, and we are excited to see the positive impact they will have on their communities and beyond.