The Cache la Poudre AquaBlitz: exploring watershed ecology with elementary and middle school students

Abstract

Evidence suggests that experiential environmental education is both effective and influential on student knowledge and attitudes. The Cache la Poudre AquaBlitz, was designed as a rapid-assessment of watershed health and as an educational experience for 4th-6th grade students combining current best practices in environmental education and citizen science with a local, place-based focus. This manuscript provides a summary of the project curricula and an assessment of knowledge acquisition by students. Data analysis suggests that the curricula were successfully written for the targeted grade levels and that student understanding of watershed ecology was increased.