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Watershed Science Education & Practice

Learn & teach about watershed science & the history of the Clark Fork Watershed.

University of Montana Spring 2024 Course | BIOB 491-80 | 3 Credits

In This Course, You Will:

  • Learn how to effectively communicate science to a broader audience
  • Teach important, innovative, place-based science curriculum
  • Engage Missoula County Public School 5th graders as an educator and role model

Schedule Outline:

  • Class Time (Jan – Feb): Fridays 12-1:50 PM plus 1 more hour TBA
  • Internship Hours (March-April): Fridays 8am-3pm + Availability throughout the week to teach in elementary school classrooms; Scheduling flexibility is a MUST!

For More Information & To Apply

Contact Dalit Guscio: dalit.guscio@umontana.edu

Apply Here

Want to take this course? Apply online now! The application will help us determine if you are a good fit for working with CFWEP. We will get back to you promptly.

“Nothing in science has any value to society if is not communicated.”

– Anne Roe, The Making of a Scientist

Course Requirements

BIOB 491-80. Spring: Watershed Science Education & Practice.
Spring Semester 2024, 3 credits, Fri 12-1:50pm plus 1 more hour TBA

This course has 2 distinct portions. The first is 5-7 weeks of in-class learning on the campus. The second is 5-6 weeks of active teaching – you will be part of the CFWEP team running a week-long education program in Missoula & neighboring public schools.

This is a fantastic opportunity for students interested in aquatic ecology, conservation, science education, communication and outreach, and civic engagement. The format of this course is different from most other classes offered at UM. Please make sure you understand the requirements before you sign up.

Students in this course are expected to:

  • Commit to 1 day on two different weekends (a total of 2 full days). The first will occur near the start of the course and is used to complete training before we start teaching. The second day will be later in the semester and will involve a field trip to Butte to deepen your knowledge of mining impact in the watershed.
  • Have a driver’s license.
  • Help lead 5-6 Friday field trips from 8am-3pm.
  • Teach in public school classes a minimum of 4 hours weekly (for 5 or 6 weeks). These teaching experiences will occur in the window of Mon-Thu, 8:30am-3:30pm, when schools are in. Times are set by public school teachers. We work with our crew’s schedule the best we can.
  • Be an ambassador of the University of Montana.
  • Be reliable and responsive to all ways of communication. Things may occasionally change quickly depending on weather and changes in the public school schedules, you must be able to respond in a reasonable time when such things occur.

Questions? Contact Dalit Guscio at dalit.guscio@umontana.edu

Download the Course Requirements Flyer