In this program, students examine water quality in their school neighborhoods as well as inside the Refuge, exploring in particular the impacts that urban lifestyles have on water quality. The kids also learn about relationships between land and water, and what similarities and differences exist between where they live and their study area within the refuge. A specific focus for these students will be chemicals present in the water that may contribute to endocrine disruption in fish, and look for ways that such chemicals can be kept out of the water.

Students will visit the refuge several times, and learn how to assess a natural area through bio-indicators. They will also survey their own communities and assess what conservation issues exist. Ultimately, students will develop a stewardship plan that incorporates the views and values of as many stakeholders as possible, and can be accomplished by the end of the school year ? making a positive contribution to the solution of the issue.

Teachers will participate in four professional development workshops co-sponsored by Eco Education and Minnesota Valley, during which they will develop their capabilities in service learning concepts, critical thinking activities for students, development of community partnerships, integration of learning from beyond the classroom, and achieving curriculum standards and accountabilities.

Approximately 100 students from the two St. Paul area schools will be taking part in the program, which will conclude at the end of the school year, June 2004.