WOW! The wonders of wetlands educational program
Environmental Concern, a 501 3c organization based in St. Michaels, Maryland, offers an outstanding educational program designed to foster stewardship of wetlands among the next generation.
WOW!: The Wonders Of Wetlands is an acclaimed, comprehensive, interdisciplinary curriculum guide for educators of grade levels K-12. The latest edition, co-published in 1995 by Environmental Concern and The Watercourse (Bozeman, MT), includes more than 50 fun and effective learning-activities for both indoor and outdoor use. These activities focus on the three definitive wetland parameters: water, soil, and plants; there are animal-oriented exercises as well.
Equally important, the user is given extensive background information on wetlands and a glossary of terms, either within, or cross-referenced with, the activities. The 330 page guide also contains some basic ideas for wetland enhancement, restoration, and construction, and a listing of other educational wetland resources. It is currently in use throughout the United States and in several other countries.
EC also offers teacher and leadership training workshops to support the use of WOW!. Since 1991, nearly 5000 participants in more than 30 states have attended WOW! workshops, which vary from a few hours to one and half days in length.
NEW!!! WOW! is now correlated with the National Science Education Standards
A committee of educators has correlated WOW! activities with the National Science Education Standards developed by the National Academy of Sciences. In addition, the WOW! activities have been correlated with science content standards in several states.
Copies of these correlations with national and state standards are available with the purchase of a new WOW! book through Environmental Concern Inc. or upon request by contacting the EC Education Department by phone at (410) 745-9620 or by email.
Environmental Concern Inc. is a 501(c)3 public not for profit Corporation, that is dedicated to working with all aspects of wetlands; the most active and fascinating ecosystems in the world. After 36 years of providing wetland services in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and beyond, we continue to broaden our partnership efforts. We have made significant progress in the ongoing effort to improve the water quality in the bay; yet there is still much work to be done. Protecting our wetlands is vital.
