Merging classroom learning with student service projects is the focus of the Watershed Partnership's five teacher training sessions, which last half a day on Saturdays. The series, facilitated by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, includes elementary and secondary public, private, and parochial teachers from Philadelphia and Delaware Counties, said Ann Smith, director of watershed programs for the environmental council. This program provides teachers with exposure to watershed management and government policy issues. The hands-on teacher sessions were held at the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum, Villanova University, and Monsignor Bonner High School in Drexel Hill. Michael Hirsh, a Ridley High School environmental-science teacher, expanded his classroom resources by attending the sessions.
Students can see how changes in the stream and water runoff effect pollution.
Ambrose shared lesson plans and student stream study results with other educators. His students conducted an insect study of Darby Creek in the area of 14th and Chestnut Streets in Darby Borough. Measuring on a score of 1 to 10, with 10 highly polluted, the students rated the section of the creek at 5.45. Students used the computer programs PowerPoint and Excel to present a report on the status of the creek. The leaf packs are put in the creek for two months to gather insects.