The ENVISION project will integrate new technologies and hands-on learning tools
to help students explore water quality, freshwater ecosystems, and environmental
stewardship. Teachers and students alike will have access to innovative classroom
resources to engage with real-world water science. Totalling more than $1 million,
the project will also examine elementary school students’ understanding of local
watershed ecosystems and aim to spark interest in environmental STEM (E-STEM)
careers. Building on an existing curriculum called Shared Waters, teachers and
researchers will integrate spatial computing technologies, such as augmented
reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), mixed reality, and artificial intelligence
(AI) into classroom lessons.
“We hope that students who participate in this project will develop a deeper interest
in STEM and E-STEM fields,” said Tamara Floyd Smith, Ph.D., Vice President of
Academic Affairs and project lead for WVU Tech and Shared Waters. “ENVISION will
provide resources to train teachers, provide classroom supplies and fund field
trips to make learning science fun for West Virginia and Delaware elementary
students.”
In addition to classroom instruction, the project will evaluate how these technologies
impact student learning outcomes, engagement, and long-term interest in E-STEM
careers.
“This collaborative grant has been in development for over a year,” said Nanette
Marcum-Dietrich, Ph.D., project lead for Millersville University and Shared Waters.
“Our goal is to connect students to the science in their own backyards. By combining
watershed education with spatial computing, we’re creating experiences that are
both hands-on and high-tech,” says Marcum-Dietrich. “As someone who grew up in
southern West Virginia, this project is deeply personal to me. ENVISION is a
chance to give back to my childhood home, to the people and the land that shaped
who I am.”
“By providing a way for integrating spatial computing into elementary environmental
education, this project enhances not only educational excellence and student
outcomes, but also helps build a pipeline of future STEM professionals,” Floyd
Smith added.
The project officially began on September 15, with classroom implementation planned
for April and May. A workshop for interested teachers will be held in March.
Teachers of grades 3–5 who participate in the project will receive a stipend
of $1,800. In West Virginia, schools in southern West Virginia are invited to
participate, but any educator in West Virginia who is interested is able to participate.
Teachers will receive professional development, classroom-ready lessons through
the Shared Waters curriculum, materials, and financial support to integrate and
directly support their learning goals.
Educators interested in participating in this project should contact Nanette Marcum-Dietrich
by emailing ndietrich@millersville.edu.
The project team appreciates the support of Representatives Lloyd Smucker and Chrissy
Houlahan, who assisted in navigating federal communications during the proposal’s
review.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under
Award Nos. 2445738 and 2445737. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations
expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily
reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.