Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy to accept state education award

SCHWENKSVILLE >> The Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy will accept the Pennsylvania Association for Environmental Education’s 2023 Outstanding Education Award for its Floating Classroom STEM Education Program.

Held at Aqua’s Green Lane Reservoir, the Floating Classroom is environmental education, kayaking and a floating science lab rolled into one program aimed at developing real-world field skills in young learners. Students take courses in watershed science, aquatic communities, ornithology, geology and botany.

Moreover, students discover real-world applications for their newly acquired knowledge through hands-on explorations on the reservoir.

The Floating Classroom, affectionately called “Dragonfly I”, is a STEM lab constructed on a reimagined 24’ pontoon boat. The “classroom” is equipped with microscopes, iPads, Wi-Fi, water quality testing supplies and other equipment that aids students in their aquatic investigations. The boat itself is equipped with a 10-horse electric motor which derives its power from four specially-configured solar panels and a 48-volt smart charging system.

Since its inception in the summer of 2021, over 300 high school and middle school students have experienced the Floating Classroom. In addition, hundreds of community members have joined Conservancy educators on Dragonfly I as part of the Out and About Experiential Ed Program. The Conservancy has also hosted the Academy of Natural Sciences, Ursinus College and dozens of other groups for on-water learning and research.

The Floating Classroom is sponsored by Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc., Pennsylvania Fish and Boat, Dow, Constellation Energy, H&K Group, POWR, Pfizer and Montgomery County Parks, Trails and Historic Places.

For more information about the program, visit www.perkiomenwatershed. org/floating-classroom-program. Executive Director Ryan Beltz can also be contacted at rbeltz@perkiomenwatershed.org with any questions regarding the program or award.