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Hands-on H2O: Project Wet Make and Take Workshop

March 12 @ 9:00 am – 3:30 pm CDT
Educators learning around the Great Lakes basin map and paper-flowing river.
  • What: Make-and-take Project WET workshop
  • Who: Open to all 3rd to 8th-grade formal and informal educators.
  • When: March 12, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm CT
  • Where: 200 S Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60606
  • How:
    • Registration opens on January 6, 2026 and closes on February 26, 2026. Find more details here.
    • Cost: $25 – this fee covers workshop materials to create classroom-ready activity kits, as well as lunch and refreshments throughout the day.

About: Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant and the National Great Rivers Research & Education Center  are partnering to offer a make-and-take Project WET workshop. Educators can earn six professional development hours during this hands-on and interactive workshop and will leave with activity kits to use immediately with their learners. All activities are aligned with the Common Core and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

Project WET, an award-winning, multidisciplinary program, teaches about water resources and the role water plays in various ecosystems and human life through hands-on, investigative activities that encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking. After completing the workshop, participants will receive the Project WET Foundations of Water Education Guide. The guide includes 12 updated activities from the Project WET 2.0 guide.

Workshop Key Features

  • Active Learning: Experience at least five hands-on activities from the Project WET Foundations of Water Education Guide through interactive participation.
  • Classroom-Ready Kits: Prepare and take home kits to help lead four Project WET activities with your learners.
  • Standards Alignment: Learn how activities connect to Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and identify at least three relevant classroom applications.
  • Educational Resource Connections: Explore programs and resources offered by Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, Project WET, and National Great Rivers.
  • Workshop activities will take place both indoors and outdoors, weather permitting. Dress comfortably and bring a water bottle.

Workshop Objectives
By the end of the workshop, participants will:

  • Gain knowledge about water’s importance in ecosystems and human life.
  • Review and practice five interactive activities focused on water resources.
  • Leave with supplies to implement four activities immediately in their teaching setting.
  • Understand alignment with Common Core and NGSS standards.
  • Build connections to regional environmental education networks and resources.

Questions? Contact Janice Milanovich, janicem@illinois.edu.

Details