Place-Based Education Mini-Grant Opportunity 

The Aquatic Education Program is awarding five $500 mini-grants to schools to implement a place-based approach to learn about local aquatic resources/issues in coursework. The grant application is a SHORT, easy to follow 2-page form.   

Requirements are:

·         Have at least one staff member trained in Projects WILD, WILD Aquatic, and Learning Tree as a member of the integration team. (Other conservation/environment/nature resources may also be utilized.)

·         Implement a place-based approach for local aquatic resources/issues in coursework with a specific group of students using Projects WILD, WILD Aquatic, and Learning Tree during 2010-2011 and/or 2011-2012 school year. For example: 4th grade classes in fall of 2011; 7th grade students in spring of 2011, with follow-up as 8th graders fall 2012 **Note: Programs that are more fully integrated into curriculum over a longer period of time will score higher.

·         Evaluate participant achievement related to standards and benchmarks for content/skill areas of the selected subject area(s) and grade level.

·         Complete online surveys (teacher and student) before and after implementation of the place-based approach.

·         Complete progress and final reports outlining accomplishments of the grant, results of formal assessments, and an accounting of expenditures by June 15, 2011.

 

For more information and for grant application contact the Aquatic Education Department at: AquaticEd_Info @dnr.iowa.gov