Model My Watershed

Overview

The design of this project is based on the belief that students should have an authentic, exciting, intuitive and interactive tool set that allows them to investigate their own neighborhoods. These investigations challenge students to make real world decisions based on scientific knowledge and models.

This three year project develops, tests and disseminates a watershed-modeling tool set for secondary students. Model My Watershed employs a dynamic interface through GoogleEarth where students can:

• Import as well as add data, modify both environmental conditions and model formulas
• Work in a collaborative online learning environment
• Be exposed to STEM careers.

Project Goals

• Model My Watershed uses the complexity of environmental science to engage and excite students about the diverse STEM careers that are necessary to study and address environmental issues.
• Students use existing scientific data in an authentic, hydrologic modeling toolset to predict how environmental changes to the ecosystem affect the hydrologic cycle in their local watersheds.
• Students will modify underlying environmental conditions and model algorithms, and modify their watershed by drawing new surfaces or structures on the landscape.
• Using a collaborative web-based communication platform students can network with other students and schools to pose questions or challenges and communicate their findings.