Once again teachers demonstrate their dedication and abilities.
At the Maine Science Teachers Association Conference, in limited time teachers came up with strong real-life challenge questions for their students to work on and preliminary related plans. Our one hour Real-Life Challenge-Solving Projects session began with presenter mini-presentation, video, individual reflections, group sharing, and small group collaboration.
Then, within ten minutes, participants drafted a challenge-solving question and related information, engaged in a charrette for feedback, and posted their drafts for a modified gallery walk. Here are real-life challenge-solving project questions and information these educators drafted.
. How can we limit the effects of invasive species in our ecosystem?
Topic: Invasive species and ecosystems Preliminary Ideas: Students learn about energy flow and relationships in ecosystems. Students investigate invasive species. They design their own answer to the questions and present a proposal to Maine Natural Resources Council or Department of Wild Life. Or kids could make ad awareness campaign and work within the community. They design the solution!
. How can you bring awareness to and promote the practice of sustainable seafood in Maine ? Subjects: Science and Literacy Learning Outcomes: Public awareness (best way to do this?), positive and negative impacts, food webs/flow of energy, ecosystems, etc. By Sophie Manning
. How could a Mars mission grow their own food? Subject: Life Science Topic: Ecosystem Dynamics Ideas: To get to Mars, it will take over a year, plus the time to create a living space. Students could use ideas such as hydroponics and resource recycling to come up with a way to feed themselves.
- Our town has been ravaged by a flood. The water is dirty and undrinkable. How can we purify the water to wash with, cook with, and drink?
Subject: Engineering
Ideas: Water filter systems – given array of “available” materials what would teams build?
. How can we stop or slow erosion in our location? Subject: Physical Science Ideas: Students brainstorm where erosion is happening near them. Students will suggest strategies for slowing erosion and will present to community.
- How can we make our aquaponics system work better for us?
Sustainable Aquaponics System, Renewable energy, Water usage, Composting, Tracking expenses, revenue, losses, etc., Data collection on system inputs vs. outputs: water, feed, seeds, etc. produce, fish, meat (weight) Energy audit – determine 2-3 issues to address – research, talk to experts, etc. – pilot study/implementation By Herring Gut Learning Center, Port Clyde, Maine info@herringgut.org
. How can we use Terraform Mars to make it habitable for human colonization? Subjects: Life Science, Physical Science, Astronomy Learning Objectives/Topics: Climate Change Photosynthesis/Cellular Respiration Soil/Water quality Preliminary Idea: Each group is given a different, specific challenge to focus on. By Carrie Emerson
- How can we survive on Mars?
Preliminary Ideas: Ecosystems, Energy Flow through aquatic/terrestrial ecosystems
Resources: Friends of Cobbossee Watershed, Audubon, Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM)
Audience: NASA!
. What impact does run off from winter road treatment have on the environment? How can negative impact, if any, be lessened? Subject: Environmental Science Test nearby water, soil, plants, etc. for pollutants in early spring when snow is melting.
- How can we overcome effects of early season and late season frost, or other threatening weather to extend the growing season?
Build a greenhouse using recycled materials only.
These hard working, talented teachers came to an all-day Saturday conference because of their caring dedication .
Kudos to teachers for all you do!