Observational Study: Train the Trainers Workshop (Stroud)

By Lauren Allen, LMDC

On Tuesday, we observed an important "Train the Trainers" workshop, supported by the Consortium for Scientific Assistance to Watersheds (C-SAW) and presented by our collaborators from the Stroud Water Research Center's Education Department. The training was held at the newly opened, LEED-certified Frick Environmental Center, which is run by one of our project partners, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. The one-and-a-half day training consisted of a presentation of pedagogical and content-based activities and information on how to engage learners and volunteer citizen scientists in understanding and appreciating the importance of aquatic macroinvertebrates, followed by two hands-on macroinvertebrate sampling experiences in different stream habitats in and around Pittsburgh. There were approximately 25 participants in the workshop, representing over 20 different organizations in Pittsburgh that hope to engage the public in learning about macroinvertebrate sampling and water quality monitoring.

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One thing we are noticing across trainings is different kinds of observation tools  different trainers and volunteers use to help them see close up.