4-H Water Watchers
Water Watchers: Conservation Club is an authentic, hands-on, citizen science experience where young people build critical thinking skills. In Water Watchers, we provide youth the opportunity to be citizen scientists and explore the environment through hands-on, practical, real life application with a goal to increase the appreciation of our natural resources through the exploration of invasive species. Youth are encouraged to share what they learn about Aquatic Invasive Species and Terrestrial Invasive Species with others while learning what it means to be a scientist, be part of a scientific team, and contribute to the scientific community.
Mobile Tour
Water Watchers Map.pdfPoints of Interest
Click to see the map of Two Harbors Area points of interest that were frequent sites for Water Watchers programming.
2021 & 2022 Points of Interest Story Map
Click for an interactive map of points of interest often visited by participants.
Program Curriculum
Building Environmental Youth Leadership Service-learning Curriculum
The Building Environmental Youth Leadership: A High-School Service-learning Curriculum is our starting curriculum for this program. We draw on lessons in this guide to help Water Watchers participants to learn more of each other and build relationships and establish a team environment before immersing in the natural resources content. Access the curriculum online at https://hdl.handle.net/11299/234233
Driven to Discover Citizen Science and Investigations Facilitators Guide
The Driven to Discover: Facilitator’s Guide to Conducting Citizen Science and Science Investigations is a foundational curriculum for this program's content lessons. We draw on lessons in this guide to help Water Watchers participants build on citizen science activities to spark their own inquiry investigations. Access the curriculum online at https://hdl.handle.net/11299/208591
Program Experiences
Story Map
Participants used ArcGIS technology tools including using Survey123 to document their nature observations - both aquatic and terrestrial, and they honed their identification skills. Participants helped to create a StoryMap to reflect on the program and their learning in Water Watchers 2020. Photos and content featured in the StoryMap was captured and supplied by youth participants.
Anya's Experience
Anya describes her Water Watchers experience highlighting important aspects for an Extension Mobile Tour in 2022.
Steinar's Experience
Steinar describes his Water Watchers experience highlighting some of his favorite parts of the program for an Extension Mobile Tour in 2022.
Mason's Experience
Mason describes his Water Watchers experience highlighting one creative way of managing invasive species during the program for an Extension Mobile Tour in 2022.
Program Brief
For a more expanded description of the program, you can read the following Google document.
