Photo: Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy
Section 4. Public Awareness and Education
EDUCATING
THE NEXT GENERATION
Educating our children is critical to preparing the next generation to become
good stewards of watersheds. Based upon recommendations of the Governor’s
Advisory Commission on Academic Standards, the Commonwealth issued new standards
in 2001 for the Pennsylvania Public School Code. Those that are particularly
relevant to the Schuylkill watershed include: environment and ecology, science
and technology, civics and government, geography, history, and health, safety
and physical education.
Academic planning largely remains in the hands of local school districts. One example of an innovative course is The Pottstown Pilot Program, designed by The Peopling of Philadelphia Collaborative, Inc. (POPCI) and the Pottstown School District. Patterned after POPCI’s successful experience with a similar program in Philadelphia, it combines environmental and local special history, using the Schuylkill as a major focus. Curriculum development enables teachers to be creative in designing hands-on lessons in collaboration with local institutions such as museums and environmental centers. It is intended to serve as a model for developing similar courses in other school districts in the Schuylkill watershed.
Other nonprofits with environmental education programs include the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy, the Stroud Water Research Center and the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education. They play an important role in augmenting formal school programs and educating adult volunteers.
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