Studies show that in order for the next generation to care about the land, they must understand its value from a young age. Mainspring works closely with schools in the (upper) Little Tennessee and Hiwassee River Basins, summer programs and homeschool groups at many grade levels to encourage hands-on educational activities that allow kids to experience their natural surroundings in a way they can’t inside the classroom.
Aquatic biologist Jason Meador leads this program and provides all equipment needed. The activities include indoor or outdoor options and meets grade-specific science essential standards.
K-2nd grade
Includes:
- Fish and aquatic insects
- Geology
- Skulls
- Migrations
- Trees
3rd – 5th grade
- Nature games
- Fish and aquatic insects
- Chemistry
- Migrations
- Skulls
- Watersheds
Middle School
- Nature Games
- Fish and aquatic insects
- Chemistry
- Water Cycle and human impacts
- Watersheds
- Habitats
- Geology
High School
- Fish and aquatic insects
- Chemistry
- Water Cycle and human impacts
- Watersheds
- Habitats
- Geology
- Elective Activities
If you are an educator and would like to explore ways Mainspring can help your students learn, contact Aquatics Program Manager Jason Meador.
Watch a video to learn more about Kids in the Creek and the impact it has on them. (special thanks to the WCU Documentary Film Class for the video.)
