| Overall Rating | Silver |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 53.11 |
| Liaison | Elizabeth Malcolm |
| Submission Date | Jan. 19, 2023 |
Virginia Wesleyan University
IN-47: Innovation A
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.50 / 0.50 |
Elizabeth
Malcolm Director of Sustainability Earth and Environmental Sciences |
Name or title of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome:
A brief description of the innovative policy, practice, program, or outcome that outlines how credit criteria are met and any positive measurable outcomes associated with the innovation:
The Downstream Collaborative Project, an initiative of the VWU Education Department, brings elementary students from local schools and university students at Virginia Wesleyan together for field-based experiences focused on environmental science education, specifically Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEE). VWU preservice teachers and VWU science and education faculty work with elementary teachers and students in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades on developing elementary school sustainability curriculum. The project started in 2017 and expanded greatly in 2021 to include Millersville University and Penn Manor School district, both in Pennsylvania. The connection with PA for this project is purposeful. It highlights to all involved the environmental connections we have through our watersheds, and allows sharing of data and ideas for stewardship across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. As part of the project, last year in Norfolk, 3rd graders cleared 100s of pounds of invasive English Ivy around a stormwater pond. In 2020, VWU faculty published an article on the project in the journal Science and Children, a publication of the National Science Teaching Association: https://www.nsta.org/science-and-children/science-and-children-aprilmay-2020/downstream-collaborative-project
A letter of affirmation from an individual with relevant expertise or a press release or publication featuring the innovation :
The website URL where information about the innovation is available :
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.