Development of a Curriculum Framework for Water Education for Educators, Scientists, and Resource Managers

Abstract

This study sampled a total of 268 people involved in natural resource research and management education: elementary (n = 59), middle (n = 39), secondary (n = 44), K-12 (n = 22), and nonformal (n = 30) educators; university researchers (n = 24); and natural resource agency managers (n = 50) representing every state in the United States. A traditional Delphi survey approach was used to determine what concepts, skills, and affects should be included in the National Project WET water and water resource curriculum framework. The analysis resulted in an 80-item curriculum framework to guide development of educational materials in this area. Differences among regions of the country and between educators and resource managers are noted.