Science in Action
Through field experiences and classroom programs, students investigate the science of lakes, streams and ecosystems in the Lake Champlain region while learning the scientific methods used by researchers.
Watershed Alliance Education & Outreach
In partnership with Lake Champlain Sea Grant, LCRI serves as the New York hub for the bi-state K–12 Watershed Alliance education initiative.
The Watershed Alliance provides curriculum, equipment, and instruction to schools and youth groups participating in place-based watershed science. We facilitate classroom and field-based programs including stream monitoring, lake ecology, fish dissections, and microplastics field days for K-12 audiences. Students learn the scientific method and participate in studies modeled after the methods practiced by researchers at the Lake Champlain Research Institute.
We provide support for the continuing education of teachers by providing professional development opportunities. The Watershed Alliance offers Aquatic WILD and Project WET certifications upon request, sponsors CTLE credits for school teachers, and provides several summer and year-long intensive opportunities through partnerships with Lake Champlain Sea Grant and the Champlain Basin Education Initiative.
Find out more and get involved at Watershed Alliance
Image above: AP environmental students participate in the Stream Monitoring and Stewardship Program with Watershed Education in the Saranac River
Internship Opportunities
Each spring and fall, the Watershed Alliance hires undergraduate students that are interested in gaining experience teaching in the field and in classrooms as a Watershed Educator. 22 undergraduate students have participated in the internship program since its inception in 2019. Many of the students that enter the program will participate in a multi-semester internship, adding multiple years of work experience to their resume prior to graduation. Assisting the K-12 watershed education program and curriculum for local school districts, this program has assisted thousands of students in classrooms and the professional development of school teachers. Watershed Educators represent majors and the many opportunities SUNY Plattsburgh has to offer whilst participating in K-12 education programs in classrooms, streams, and vessels on Lake Champlain. Supporting roles include writing curriculum appropriate to NYS education standards and audience levels surrounding watershed science.
While the program specifies in K-12 watershed science education, the skills that are gained through this experience include the advancement of written and verbal communication, professional representation, adaptability, and field knowledge making the experience applicable to any undergraduate major. Watershed Educators are expected to work approximately 50 hours per semester. Internship hours are typically Monday through Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This program offers 1-3 internship credits or pay at a rate of $15.50/hr.
If you are interested in pursuing an internship as a watershed educator, please reach out to Tori DesRocher at [email protected]
Image left: Watershed educator Amélie teaches 7th graders how to read secchi disks in Lake Champlain while aboard the University of Vermont's Research Vessel, the Marcelle Melosira. Image right: Watershed educator Messiah assists students in identifying macroinvertebrates with the use of a dichotomous key.