INTERNATIONAL WATERSHED STUDIES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

This project involved 30 science educators from New Hampshire (USA) and Pakistan to integrate watershed science as a content theme with current pedagogical practices such as learning progressions, inquiry science, and best teaching practices. The project included field studies (Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, visit to a sewage treatment facility, headwaters of river system, water quality analysis), laboratory activities, and a review of watershed curriculum materials and web sites with an emphasis on the local watershed for each teacher (Merrimack River in NH and Indus River in Pakistan). A discussion regarding international water issues, cooperative efforts and conflict resolution strategies was a keystone activity. A detailed analysis for each watershed was developed and implemented as a part of a research action plan. The overall goal was to transform institutional and individual understanding of exemplary standards and models in geoscience education utilizing watersheds and water issues as a focus. The Pakistani Educational Leadership Institute is funded by the US State Department and Pakistani government and hosted at Plymouth State University (NH).