Understanding the Urban Watershed Curriculum | Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center

Understanding the Urban Watershed Curriculum

Resource by Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, USA

https://www.resourcewater.org/

The Understanding the Urban Watershed Curriculum is an adaptable and transformative educational tool designed for learners aged 9-18. Its goal is to enhance environmental literacy and promote sustainability through a mix of classroom and outdoor learning experiences. The curriculum empowers students and teachers to be nothing short of transformative-- growing knowledge and skills, changing attitudes and increasing civic engagement to impact the school community, the neighborhood, the city, and the watershed.

This curriculum connects with a variety of learning styles with integrity using the local context.  Additionally, in an ever-changing world, we have ensured that the Curriculum content, associated activities, and lessons were designed to be flexible and fluid. Instructional narratives are completely online and include student-facing instructional tools. Teachers gain access to a supportive peer network and professional development workshops, ensuring seamless integration into their practice.

Co-developed with classroom teachers since 2014, the curriculum has been successfully implemented in the Philadelphia School District, with growing adoption each year. Anchored in the mission of the Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, a historic site turned public education center, the curriculum connects students to the evolution and management of urban water systems. By exploring topics like drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater, students learn to understand and address the complexities of water access, protection, and ecosystem health.