This course consists of three comprehensive lessons: "Understanding MWEEs," "Defining the MWEE Components," and "Planning and Assessing MWEEs." These lessons will acquaint you with the essence of MWEEs, showcase their diverse forms, dissect the integral MWEE components, and introduce the tools vital for MWEE development and implementation.

Upon successful completion of all three lessons in this course, you will find guidance on how to obtain your certificate of completion and accrue educational credits recognized by Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia. Depending on your state and local criteria, you may also be able to leverage your certificate to earn credits in other regions. 

MWEE 201 serves as the second segment in this instructional series. If you haven't yet completed MWEE 101, we strongly recommend doing so, as it provides a solid foundation in understanding the Essential Elements, Supporting Practices, and tools associated with MWEE planning. MWEE 201 will refer back to the work you accomplished in MWEE 101.

This course has been designed to support a wide spectrum of educators, encompassing both school-based providers such as classroom teachers, support staff, and administrators, as well as field or site-based program providers, like non-formal education providers. Our aim is to help you gain a profound comprehension of the MWEE model, focusing on environmental education, student achievement, and stewardship.

MWEE 201 unfolds through a five-part structure that collectively addresses the following pivotal questions:

• How can MWEEs contribute to environmental literacy, student achievement, and stewardship?
• What resources and opportunities are accessible to bolster MWEE development and execution?

Key Course Objectives:

• Participants will delve into interdisciplinary methods for leveraging the environment as a learning backdrop, both in the field and within the classroom.
• Participants will scrutinize prevalent issues and proactively engage with the Chesapeake Bay watershed at the communal, school, and individual levels.
• Participants will embark on the design of a fresh MWEE or refine an existing one, aided by the resources and opportunities explored throughout the course.

For optimal benefit, we recommend downloading the "Educator's Guide to the Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience" and the "MWEE Toolkit." These invaluable resources, in conjunction with others supporting MWEE planning and execution, can be found on Bay Backpack. These resources will be referenced and applied throughout the course.

For any inquiries, feedback, or questions regarding this course, please reach out to Krysta Hougen at krysta.hougen@noaa.gov.

Estimated Duration to Complete the Course (inclusive of the Environmental Literacy Model creation): 15 hours

Following the successful completion of this course, you will receive instructions on how to obtain your certificate of completion and educational credits, including 1 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit for Maryland, and 6 ACT 48 credits for Pennsylvania. Depending on your location and local guidelines, you may also be eligible to apply for credits in other states.

Be sure to return to this page for updates on future sessions.