sample ELMS

An ELM is a comprehensive planning tool to help you think through and plan the details of your MWEE. ELMs are composed of three main parts:

• Curriculum Anchor: Completed by the teacher, the curriculum anchor connects the MWEE to academic standards. It brings in learning objectives, investigative questions and local environmental issues.
• Issue Investigation: Co-developed between teacher and students, the issue investigation outlines the outdoor investigation the students will conduct, analyze and communicate.
• Informed Action: Students should take a large role in creating an action project that applies the knowledge and conclusions they gained from the outdoor investigation.

ELMs may also be helpful with communicating to school leadership, the local community, and colleagues. For more detailed information on ELMs, visit NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office's Bay Backpack site.

Below are links to sample ELMs created by the TIDES partner faculty for planning and conducting MWEEs.

• ELM #1 by Virginia Wesleyan University (for university students)
  
• ELM #2 by Virginia Commonwealth University (for K-12 students)
  
• Additional ELMS (Bay Backpack)
• Blank fillable ELM