Unleash the power of outdoor learning with MCIU’s Environmental Mobile Unit. Embarking on a journey towards a more sustainable world, we bring resources to your school along with learning experiences based in three-dimensional learning and designed to bolster environmental literacy and sustainability experiences.
The Environmental Mobile Unit (EMU) serves as the catalyst for authentic learning, infusing your school with resources to directly engage students in outdoor learning, local environmental issues and latest technology to build career skills in STEM and sustainability. Students will be immersed in a dynamic blend of outdoor learning, interactive and multidisciplinary learning, and cutting edge technology.
EMU can be reserved for a full day or half-day program at your school or at one of our partner locations in Montgomery County. Choose a topic from our suggested list or contact us to set up a personalized learning experience for your students. Please note that we will require teachers to help support learning experiences for classes of 15 or more students.
Dates are available starting this fall, check out our calendar to view available times and use this form to reserve your date today. Please provide three dates that you are available and we will be in touch to confirm your program.
Our Offerings
School-Based Meaningful Watershed Education Experience
Mini-MWEE at Your School
ABOUT
Students explore local environmental issues, develop investigations and gather evidence to help inform the design of an environmental action project. In this program, students can focus on one or all of the essential elements (issue identification, outdoor field experience, synthesis and conclusion, environmental action projects). This program leverages the assets of your school, access to streams and natural areas are not required.
Field-Based Meaningful Watershed Education Experience
Mini-MWEE at a Partner Location
ABOUT
Students visit a local environmental education or nature center or park to conduct outdoor field experiences and dive into the 4 essential elements of the MWEE. Choose to focus on one or all of the essential elements (issue identification, outdoor field experience, synthesis and conclusion and environmental action projects. This program occurs at partner locations at nature preserves and environmental education centers throughout Montgomery County. MCIU will identify a location from our list of established partners based on your location and program needs.
Stream Detectives
ABOUT
This 90 minute program focuses on an outdoor field experience at local nature preserves or at your school property. Students will engage in science and engineering practices to create models and maps that describe habitats and identify features of stream morphology. Students conduct a macroinvertebrate study to assess the health of local watersheds and ecosystems.
School-Based Ecosystem Exploration
ABOUT
This 90 minute program focuses on outdoor field experiences on your school yard. Students will engage in science and engineering practices to develop an investigation of their school grounds, identifying biotic and abiotic factors, microhabitats and connections to local watersheds.
Green Campus Challenge
ABOUT
In this 90 minute program, students investigate sustainability issues in their community and at their school, exploring the intersection of human and natural systems. Students identify areas for further investigation and monitoring to advance sustainability on their campus.
Customized Learning Experiences
ABOUT
The Environmental Mobile Unit is housed in a fully electric, Ford Transit Vehicle. We charge the classroom daily at the MCIU’s EV charging station in Norristown.
Our tablets and electronic devices are powered by solar, using a power inverter and solar panel that is housed in the Mobile Classroom. When we arrive at your school, we will make sure the solar panel is out and charging devices in preparation for your visit.
The vehicle is equipped with monitoring equipment that can measure weather data and air quality on the road and at your location.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I prepare my students for the Environmental Mobile Unit (EMU)?
The Environmental Mobile Unit is designed as a curricular resource that supports teachers in providing outdoor-focused, three dimensional learning experiences to support PA STEELS throughout the school year. Once your program is finalized, we will share a resource folder with suggested lessons to implement before and after your visit.
What should students wear on the day of their EMU visit?
We will be working with students outdoors (with the exception of extreme weather) so students should dress appropriately for recess. This includes shoes and clothes that can get wet or dirty. Hats and sunscreen are recommended since we will be outdoors for an extended period of time.
What support is needed on the day of my program:
The lab can accommodate groups of 2 classes at a time (approximately 45 students). The learning experiences are designed as stations and require that students move through stations to complete activities. We require a ratio of 15:1 which includes adults to help monitor behavior and facilitate sessions.Â
About the EMU:
The classroom is housed in a fully electric, Ford Transit Vehicle. We charge the classroom daily at the MCIU’s EV charging station in Norristown.
Our tablets and electronic devices are powered by solar, using a power inverter and solar panel that is housed in the Mobile Classroom. When we arrive at your school, we will make sure the solar panel is out and charging devices in preparation for your visit.
 The vehicle is equipped with monitoring equipment that can measure weather data and air quality on the road and at your location.Â
Expert Instructors
Meet
Our
Team
