Why We Need StreamWebs
The pressing challenge to improve freshwater ecosystems by engaging our future leaders demands a new approach – and one that uses the most current tools at our disposal. To this end, The Freshwater Trust is developing StreamWebs, a dynamic web-based tool that will streamline and simplify the process of linking interested classrooms with locally-based watershed research and restoration projects (such as native tree plantings, water quality testing and analysis, and invasive species removal), serve as an accessible repository for student-generated data, and provide an interactive showcase for students’ multi-media project results (such as photos, videos, poetry, etc.). StreamWebs utilizes the popularity and functionality of social networking sites and the flexibility of modern web applications to create an interactive online network that will engage 21st century students in freshwater stewardship.
StreamWebs goals are to:
- Engage students in an interactive, authentic, and didactic way
- Connect currently disparate watershed restoration and education efforts
- Support teachers and community partners seeking to engage students in authentic learning
- Create an online forum for students to celebrate and share their watershed projects, artwork, and stories;
- Recognize and reward student-driven efforts to restore watershed health
- Offer students career and higher education pathways in natural resources; and
- Provide a mechanism for funders to efficiently support local projects.
