Thanks to the support of PECO, Stroud Water Research Center in Chester County was able to share science and STEM education to students participating in Kennett Consolidated School District’s After-The-Bell program.

After-The-Bell is an after-school program that provides middle school students throughout KCSD with safe, structured, meaningful, and fun activities that promote learning and growth at no cost to the parents.

“At PECO, we power programs and initiatives that are helping our youth achieve a well-rounded education and that provide a broad spectrum of opportunity,” said Mike Innocenzo, PECO President and CEO.  “We are proud to join Stroud and the Kennett Consolidated School District to provide this important environmental educational experience for local students.”

Throughout the six sessions, the students experienced some of the ways that the Stroud Center’s scientists study our streams and rivers.

With boots in the stream, students collected macroinvertebrates and then took them back to the classroom to identify them and learn how they tell the story of stream health, just as the Stroud Center’s entomologists use macroinvertebrate populations to determine stream health.

One lesson focused on the ecosystem surrounding White Clay Creek-- from riparian buffers to best management practices, students learned how land use affects the health of a stream.

Students also had the opportunity to watch electrofishing and learn how the Stroud Center’s scientists study fish populations and why that is another important piece of the stream health puzzle.

Chemistry, ecology, and biology aside, this wonderful partnership gave some students, who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity, the chance to explore their natural surroundings, discover cool caterpillars, and learn about watersheds.

PECO’s commitment to STEM education is an essential part of helping the Stroud Center to share their science with more students throughout the region.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Stroud Water Research Center website, Click Here to subscribe to UpStream.  Click Here to subscribe to Stroud’s Educator newsletter.  Click Here to become a Friend Of Stroud Research,  Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, include them in your Circle on Google+ and visit their YouTube Channel.

NewsClips:

Audubon PA Works In Central PA On Watershed Education

Mount Carmel School District Sued Over Chemistry Class Accident

Related Stories:

DEP Blog: Students Explore Coal Heritage, Watershed Restoration Possibilities In Northumberland County

PA Assn. Of Environmental Professionals Accepting Applications For College Scholarships

[Posted: Nov. 20, 2018]

11/26/2018