UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Educators who teach youth about water resources can get useful information to help plan their curricula by attending "Dive Deeper," a youth water education summit to be offered Sept. 27 by Penn State Extension.
The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Best Western Premier -- The Central Hotel and Conference Center in Harrisburg, Pa.
The conference is aimed at bringing the issue of youth water education to the forefront for educators from Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Washington, D.C., Virginia, West Virginia and Ohio, according to Jennifer Fetter, watershed youth-development educator with Penn State Extension.
"Educators from formal and nonformal programs will learn about the critical state of our local water resources and the importance of quality youth water education," she said. "They also will gain insight into scientific inquiry adaptations for educational programs that will help to inspire a new generation of water scientists.
"In the end, they will take home innovative approaches and ideas to enhance water education and science, technology, engineering and math programming."
Online registration for the summit is available at a discounted rate until Aug. 15 -- and at full price until Sept. 23 -- at http://agsci.psu.edu/dive-deeper. Program details also are available at this website.
Dive Deeper will be a one-day summit with keynote speakers, multiple break-out sessions, educational displays and lunch.
"Dual keynote speakers will kick the program off," said Sanford Smith, extension youth education specialist. "Bryan Swistock, water resources extension specialist, will start the morning talking about current and emerging water-resources issues in the mid-Atlantic region.
"Immediately following, Edward Bender, a Penn State extension educator and the 4-H science manager of professional development and partnerships at National 4-H Council, will present 'Inquiry-based learning – What's the big deal?'"
Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. For these accommodations or questions about the physical access provided, contact Fetter 717-921-8803 in advance of your participation or visit.
Additional program information can be obtained by contacting Fetter at 4HWater@psu.edu or Smith at sss5@psu.edu.