Collaboration with Local Museum Provides Environmental Awareness for Regional Schools through an On-Site Water Laboratory

Environmental education focusing on water resource sustainability can be uniquely integrated into a community through the combined participation of public and private schools, industry, government and shared community resources. Over 4000 elementary, middle and high school students have participated in a community-supported environmental education program focusing on local water quality issues through the conversion and renovation of an 1893 boat house at a local museum. The students, along with teachers and parents, perform sample collection, lab analysis, and data collection to determine the general health of a local river. The learning experience includes the evaluation of physical, chemical, and microbial aspects of the river conditions. The instruction and program methods comply with required learning goals established by the State of Illinois. Program funding is provided by local business and grants from both local and state governments.