NOAA's Bay-Watershed
Education and Training (B-WET) Program
2010 B-WET Funding Opportunities Now Closed. |
Click here for more information about the recent B-WET National Conference.
About B-WET
NOAA B-WET is an environmental education program that promotes locally relevant, experiential learning in the K-12 environment. The primary delivery of B-WET is through competitive funding that promotes Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs). Click here for a document that provides a detailed definition of MWEEs. In this context, a Meaningful Watershed Educational Experience is one that:
- is investigative or project oriented
- is an integral part of the instructional program
- is part of a sustained activity
- considers the watershed as a system
- is enhanced by NOAA products, services, or personnel, where appropriate
NOAA recognizes that knowledge and commitment built from firsthand experience, especially in the context of one's community and culture, is essential for achieving environmental stewardship. Carefully selected experiences driven by rigorous academic learning standards, engendering discovery and wonder, and nurturing a sense of community will further connect students with their watershed, help reinforce an ethic of responsible citizenship, and promote academic achievement. NOAA B-WET maintains relevance by responding to regional education and environmental priorities through local implementation. For examples of funded projects, see California, Chesapeake Bay, and Hawai'i program web sites, links here.
NOAA has invested over $40 million to support more than 530 projects in six regions of the country. In FY 2008, the B-WET program reached over 125,000 students and 6,000 teachers, through 130 projects.
B-WET applicants are encouraged to partner with local NOAA entities. To locate potential NOAA partners in your area, click here.
B-WET Regional Program Web Sites
California
http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/news/bwet/welcome.html
Contact: Seaberry Nachbar, NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries, 831-647-4201,
seaberry.nachbar@noaa.gov
California One-Pager (293k pdf)
Chesapeake
http://chesapeakebay.noaa.gov/formaleducation.aspx
Contact: Shannon Sprague, NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office, 410-267-5664,
shannon.sprague@noaa.gov
Chesapeake Bay One-Pager (310k pdf)
Gulf of Mexico
http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/grants/B-Wet.htm
Contact: Jeff Brown, NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office, 727-824-5324,
jeff.brown@noaa.gov
Gulf of Mexico One-Pager (314k pdf)
Hawaii
http://www.csc.noaa.gov/psc/b_wet/index.html
Contact: Stephanie Bennett, Pacific Services Center, 808-522-7481,
stephanie.bennett@noaa.gov
Hawai'i One-Pager (380k pdf)
New England
http://www.nero.noaa.gov/nero/BWET/
Contact: Kathi Rodrigues, NOAA Fisheries Northeast Regional Office, 978-281-9324,
kathi.rodrigues@noaa.gov
New England One-Pager (324k pdf)
Pacific Northwest
Contact: Robert Steelquist, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, 360-457-6622 x19,
robert.steelquist@noaa.gov
Pacific Northwest One-Pager (319k pdf)