Potomac Highlands Watershed School

What it is . . .

     The Potomac Highlands Watershed School was developed by Cacapon Institute program increase understanding and enhance appreciation of the water resources in West Virginia's Potomac Highlands and throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.  It is designed to be used as a part of the curriculum in regional schools, with detailed lesson plans keyed to WV's Content Standards and Objectives.  Note: this site is best viewed at 1024x768 resolution or higher.

     Each classroom has seven basic elements:

1. A blackboard - with age-appropriate activities that include a learning phase, where information is read, and a testing phase, where the knowledge is either tested in a quiz or matching exercise,  used to fill in a form, or put to use to solve a problem.

2. Also on the blackboard, a list of relevant vocabulary - with definitions just a click away.

3. A bookcase, with sections providing useful background information on each of the activities.

4. A computer gateway to the many environmental organizations and agencies that serve the greater Potomac region.

5. A window to some of our favorite Potomac Highlands images.

6. An "open book" with a reading selection that will change periodically.

7. A magnifying glass that takes a closer look at some of the Potomac Highlands smaller inhabitants. 

8. The High School also has a telephone, the entry point to Environmental Forums where students and teachers explore regionally important environmental issues in depth.  Students work both as a class and with other students across the internet to understand problems and to seek solutions that are broadly acceptable to their communities. Learn more about the eForums here.

The Teacher's Room contains lesson plans for elementary, middle and high school activities.

     Because Cacapon Institute works in water quality monitoring and watershed conservation, this program is most relevant to science, geography, and environmental science classes.  However, many of the activities also provide an opportunity to practice graphing, writing, and math.  They also give students a chance to learn about inter-relationships, geography, human health, use of technology, and to  discuss current events. 

    This website was made possible by grants from the US Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Education Program, Canaan Valley Institute, The MARPAT Foundation, Spring Creek Foundation, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and by donations by the members of Cacapon Institute.  Content has been developed and reviewed by CI staff (Peter Maille, Meredith Pavlick, Neil Gillies, Frank Rodgers), and volunteer Bob Markley.  Any errors are solely the responsibility of Cacapon Institute. 

    Flash activities were developed by Cacapon Institute staff, and programmed by Luke Fleshman.  Content and "playability" were reviewed by partners at the Canaan Valley Institute, WV Conservation Agency, WV Division of Environmental Protection, WV Department of Agriculture, the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, and local teachers.  We could not have done this without their help, but any and all errors are solely the responsibility of Cacapon Institute. 

    Beta testing was conducted by CI staff, Bob Markley, Vicki Fenwick, and Shelby Pavlick.  Classroom art was created by Neil and Jynn Gillies.