Wade Institute for Science Education at Manomet Conservation Sciences Wins Sixth Design Challenge Grant for “H2Whoa! Hydroengineers at Work”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Dorie Klissas
dklissas@manomet.org

Wade Institute for Science Education at Manomet Conservation Sciences Wins Sixth Design Challenge Grant for “H2Whoa! Hydroengineers at Work”

PLYMOUTH, Mass. (October 7, 2025) — The Wade Institute for Science Education at Manomet Conservation Sciences has been awarded its sixth consecutive Design Challenge Grant as a part of the Executive Office of Education’s Massachusetts STEM Week, to develop and deliver its innovative “H2Whoa! Hydroengineers at Work” program for educators and students in grades 5 through 8.

The annual grant supports the Wade Institute’s mission to equip educators with hands-on, inquiry-based STEM learning experiences that make science and engineering accessible and engaging for all students. Through the grant, teachers across Massachusetts receive free curriculum materials, classroom kits, and professional training. 

Inspired by the global need for clean water, the H2Whoa! challenge invites students to step into the role of engineers, designing systems to capture, filter, and store water using nature-inspired solutions, limited materials, and creative problem-solving. While tailored for middle schoolers, the curriculum is adaptable for younger and older grades, aligning with Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering standards.

“We’re thrilled to once again be recognized for creating innovative, accessible STEM learning experiences that connect students to real-world challenges,” said Kathryn Atkins, Director of the Wade Institute for Science Education at Manomet Conservation Sciences. “Through the H2Whoa! challenge, students discover that engineering isn’t abstract—it’s about understanding our world and using creativity to make it better. And for teachers, we’re making it easy by providing everything they need—training, curriculum, and materials—to bring these experiences to life.”

Educators can participate in an in-person workshop on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Hitchcock Center for the Environment in Amherst, MA, or a virtual workshop on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Both sessions include a complete classroom materials kit, curriculum packet, and extension resources, including a STEM Challenge Virtual Showcase where teachers can share their students’ work.

The Massachusetts STEM Week celebration will take place from October 20 to 24, 2025, under the theme “STEM Starts Now.” Led by the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the STEM Advisory Council and the state’s nine Regional STEM Networks, the statewide effort encourages learners of all ages to explore STEM fields and careers through hands-on experiences and community partnerships.

Registration is free, and Massachusetts educators can sign up for the H2Whoa! Hydroengineers at Work Design Challenge and workshops at:
https://wadeinstituteforscienceeducation.wufoo.com/forms/z1a9cjog1145e7d/

For more information, visit https://www.wadeinstitutema.org/massachusetts-stem-week-challenges/.