New, GK-12: Yakima Watershed Activities To Enhance Research in Schools (Yakima WATERS)

Central Washington University, Ellensburg WA

Investigators

Abstract

PROPOSAL #: 0638648 PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Carey A. Gazis INSTITUTION: Central Washington University TITLE: Yakima Watershed Activities to Enhance Research in Schools (Yakima WATERS) The GK-12 Yakima WATERS project between Central Washington University and the school districts of rural central Washington focuses on authentic field-based research on watershed science for 5th to 11th graders. The NSF supported disciplines for this project include Biology, Chemistry, Geography and Geology. The intellectual merit of this project builds upon the already existing relationship between the university and the school districts. This project will also provide the framework for interdisciplinary research and learning. The broader impacts include focused recruiting efforts to obtain more minority fellows. All GK-12 fellows will serve as role models for the K-12 students, many whom are from low socioeconomic families. The results of this project will be disseminated via a website, local environmental group activities, professional meetings and journals, and a yearly poster presentation by participants.