In collaboration with Maine Audubon, SeDoMoCha Middle School’s 21CCLC program has provided hands-on, nature-based learning experiences for students, supported by NOAA’s EE.Blue grant. Students engaged in impactful projects exploring their local environment, focusing on the Penobscot Watershed through the River in My Backyard and WEB Backpack Program. This initiative not only enhances their understanding of ecosystems but also builds internal capacity for ongoing environmental education.
The program culminated in a summer STEAM camp where students learned about watersheds and pollution through mapping, water quality studies, and real-world applications in local habitats. Activities included obstacle courses simulating the water cycle and hands-on river dynamics lessons, which connected science with community planning.
Throughout these sessions, students developed leadership and teamwork skills while becoming advocates for environmental stewardship, with plans for community-focused action projects in the spring. This initiative fosters a long-lasting connection to their local ecosystem, preparing students to be future environmental leaders.
