Jefferson Elementary announced the launch of the Jefferson STEM Jr. Hoosier Riverwatch program, an initiative designed to enhance STEM education through hands-on environmental science.
Led by Chuck Harvuot, an Indiana Master Naturalist, the program aims to certify students as Riverwatch ambassadors. These trained students will undertake a role in mentoring their younger peers during stream site visits, where they will assess the health of local water bodies, according to a news release from Warsaw Community Schools.
"I am proud of the hard work that Chuck Harvuot has put into this program to support a STEM student ambassador program and Junior Hoosier Riverwatch,” said Josh Wall, principal at Jefferson Elementary. “This is going to help facilitate STEM educational experiences for younger students and provide leadership and mentorship opportunities for students at Jefferson."
This initiative not only supports the learning of stream site health, but also establishes a core group of student STEM ambassadors at Jefferson Elementary. These ambassadors are tasked with fostering a love for science and the environment among their fellow students, enriching STEM education experiences throughout the school.
"It was really cool to have more time in the creek and have opportunities to catch more things like fish, water worms and crawdads. It was good to have this so we will have the chance to help teach other grades more about Cherry Creek," said students Bridget and Leyla, according to the release.
Makenzie Oldham shared about the impact of the program, saying, “I am so glad that fifth-graders were given a STEM leadership opportunity that is beneficial to our entire school. These students will be great leaders for the younger grades at our upcoming Cherry Creek visits.”