Now Accepting Applications for Fall 2018!

--The deadline to apply is June 22--

To apply please download and fill out the proposal. Please submit the proposal as a word document (.doc) using the application form at the bottom of the page. 

Project Requirements are...

1. Focuses on an essential question: This is a single driving question at the core of the project which students will work to answer over the course of the unit
2. Lists key learning objectives: These are concrete objectives for knowledge, understanding, and performance which relate back to the essential question. 
3. Includes at least three outdoor fieldwork activities
4. Supports state standards: CA Common Core, CA History and Social Science Content Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and/or CA Blueprint for Environmental Literacy
5. Produces a public product: Students have a way to share their work with the community.
6. Has a clear connection to the Petaluma Watershed
7. Begins with an orientation: Friends of the Petaluma River can visit you in class or host you at the David Yearsley River Heritage center to welcome students to the Watershed Classroom. You may also choose to facilitate your own in-class orientation. Click here for orientation requirements.

Expectations

Educators whose projects are accepted into the program will be asked to...

1. Attempt to the best of their ability to complete the curriculum outlined in their proposal.
2. Complete a brief once monthly check-in form for the duration of their project.
3. Administer pre- and post- assessments provided by the Watershed Classroom program in order to gauge student learning and comprehension of watershed concepts. 
4. Forward photos and classroom materials from their projects to our Watershed Classroom coordinator.
5. Send student representatives to our annual Watershed Classroom Student Showcase. 
6. Fill out a survey upon completion of their project regarding their experience in the program.

By completing the above, participants help us to show our funders and partners all of the amazing work Watershed Classroom teachers are doing. In doing so, they help us to keep this program running so we can continue to support exceptional educators!

A printable version of the above requirements and expectations.

The structure of the Watershed Classroom is inspired by the Buck Institute for Education's Project Based Learning Guidelines. Understanding PBL will give teachers a better understanding of what a Watershed Classroom project should look like and why.

Requirements and suggestions for teachers who would prefer to create their own Watershed Classroom orientation event.

Guidelines for participation in the 2018 Student Showcase. 

The forms which our proposal review committee will use to evaluate your application.