
Despite the ongoing pandemic, the Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program (AWSMP) has found a way to provide watershed-based science education to Onteora Central School District elementary students.
Working directly with teachers, our youth educator, Matt Savatgy, has been providing remote instructional support since last fall. Regardless of whether they are at school or at home, students join Matt each week for a live Google Classroom science session. A wide range of watershed-related topics are covered throughout the school year. According to Matt, “Much of the elementary school science curriculum is directly relatable to the Ashokan Watershed, particularly in fourth grade.”
Savatgy uses short video clips, lots of back-and-forth discussions, demonstrations, specimens from his extensive natural history collection, and games to help students grasp required scientific concepts. Bennett Elementary School Teacher Elizabeth Lefferts says, “My students eagerly look forward to each of our science sessions with Mr. Savatgy and the interactive activities they know are awaiting them.”
As a way to extend learning beyond the remote classroom meetings students are provided with video links and activity resources for them to try at home and they are encouraged to use them while exploring their local outdoor setting. Fourth Grade teacher, Liz Corsitto, indicated that, “This year has been difficult to navigate in terms of teaching and learning virtually. Matt has stepped in to encourage our students to still love science even though it is being delivered virtually and to get involved in the science that surrounds them at home.”
The Ashokan Watershed Stream Management Program also provides numerous opportunities outside of school for students to learn about the importance of streams and our watershed. A couple of these activities include: The Watershed Detectives afterschool program and the annual Stream Explorers Youth Adventure. To learn more about these programs and AWSMP, visit ashokanstreams.org.