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Environmental STEM Project

The project aims to have students design an innovative tool or process to address an environmental issue, enhancing their problem-solving and research skills. It includes phases for research, design, prototyping, and presentation, focusing on sustainability and real-world application. Students will create a detailed report and prototype, showcasing their understanding of environmental science and the impact of their solution.

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10 views

Environmental STEM Project

The project aims to have students design an innovative tool or process to address an environmental issue, enhancing their problem-solving and research skills. It includes phases for research, design, prototyping, and presentation, focusing on sustainability and real-world application. Students will create a detailed report and prototype, showcasing their understanding of environmental science and the impact of their solution.

Uploaded by

kspiller
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Environmental Science STEM Project: "Innovating for a Sustainable

Future"

Objective:

The objective of this project is to have students design an original tool, device, or process
that addresses an environmental problem. By leveraging scientific principles and
sustainable practices, students will research a pressing environmental issue, identify ways
to mitigate its impact, and create a prototype using modern design tools like Tinkercad.
This project will help students develop problem-solving, research, and presentation skills
while gaining a deeper understanding of environmental science and sustainability.

Project Outline:

1. Research Phase: Identifying the Environmental Problem

• Topic Selection:
• Students will choose an environmental issue to address, such as:
o Climate change (e.g., reducing carbon emissions)
o Pollution (e.g., plastic waste, air or water pollution)
o Resource conservation (e.g., sustainable water use, reducing energy
consumption)
o Biodiversity (e.g., habitat preservation, species protection)
o Renewable energy (e.g., improving solar or wind energy)
• Research Requirements:
o Identify the causes and effects of the environmental problem.
o Research existing solutions and their limitations.
o Understand the scientific concepts and environmental impacts related to
the issue.
o Investigate current technologies, tools, and processes that are being used to
address the problem.

2. Design Phase: Developing the Tool/Innovation

• Tool/Process Conceptualization:
Students will brainstorm and design a tool, device, or process that can help mitigate the
environmental problem. This could be anything from a pollution-reducing device, a
sustainable energy solution, or a recycling process.
o The tool should be original and innovative.
o The design should integrate sustainability principles, such as reducing
waste, saving energy, or conserving resources.
o The design must be practical and feasible for real-world implementation.
• Design Specifications:
o Describe the materials needed for the design (e.g., biodegradable materials,
energy-efficient components, etc.).
o Identify the scientific principles and environmental factors considered in the
design (e.g., physics, chemistry, ecology, etc.).
o Consider the environmental impact of the materials and production
processes used in the design.

3. Prototyping Phase: Creating a Model

• Prototype Development:

Using Tinkercad or similar software, students will create a digital prototype of their tool or
solution and students will create a physical prototype if applicable (e.g., using recycled
materials or 3D printing).

o The prototype should showcase the function and form of the design.
o Students should document the steps and decisions made in the prototyping
process.
• Testing and Evaluation:
o Students will consider how their design can be tested in the real world.
o Evaluate potential challenges and how they can be addressed to improve the
prototype.
o Think about how the tool could be scaled up or applied in different contexts.

4. Report and Research Documentation:

• Research Report:
Students will write a detailed report that includes the following:
o Introduction: Briefly explain the environmental issue being addressed and
why it is important.
o Literature Review: Summarize existing research on the environmental
problem and current solutions.
o Design Explanation: Describe the design process, the chosen materials,
and how the tool addresses the problem.
o Feasibility Study: Analyze the practicality of the solution, considering cost,
scalability, and potential environmental impact.
o Prototype Details: Include images or screenshots of the prototype, and
describe how it works.
o Conclusion: Discuss the potential impact of the solution and future
improvements.

5. Presentation:

• Presentation to Class:
Students will prepare a presentation to showcase their environmental solution, explaining:
o The environmental problem they are addressing.
o The design and function of their tool or process.
o The scientific principles behind their design and the materials they chose.
o How the solution can contribute to sustainability or mitigate environmental
impact.
o The potential challenges in implementing the solution and possible
improvements.
STEM Project Rubric: Environmental Tool Design

This rubric will be used to assess the students' work on designing an environmental tool.

Category Exceeds Meets Approaching Below


Expectations (4) Expectations Expectations Expectations
(3) (2) (1)

Problem Clearly defines a Defines a Defines a The problem is


Identification significant relevant relevant unclear or
environmental environmental problem but
problem with problem and explanation poorly
thorough explains it well. lacks depth or explained.
understanding clarity.
and detailed
explanation.
Research Extensive and Solid research Adequate Minimal or
well-organized with credible research but insufficient
research, with sources, may lack detail research; lacks
credible addressing key or depth in credible
sources. aspects of the certain areas. sources.
Research problem and
demonstrates a existing
deep solutions.
understanding of
the issue and
workable
solutions.
Design & The tool is highly Tool is original, Tool is creative Tool is
Creativity innovative, practical, and but lacks unoriginal,
practical, and well-designed practicality or is impractical, or
creatively to address the underdevelope poorly designed.
designed. problem. d.
Exceptional
attention to
detail in
addressing the
problem.
Functionality The tool is well- The tool is The tool has Tool lacks
& Feasibility designed for functional and limited functionality or
real-world could functionality, is unrealistic for
application, with realistically but could work real-world use.
clear evidence of address the in certain
feasibility and environmental situations.
potential impact. problem.
Prototype Excellent use of Good use of Prototype is Prototype is
(Tinkercad) Tinkercad. Tinkercad. functional but incomplete or
Prototype is Prototype is lacks detail or poorly made.
highly detailed, functional and precision.
well-thought- reflects the
out, and shows design well.
mastery of the
platform.
Research Report is well- Report is Report is Report is poorly
Report organized, clear, organized and somewhat organized or
(Clarity) and clear, with organized but unclear, with
professional. It most questions lacks clarity or many questions
addresses all answered well. some questions unaddressed.
questions and are answered
provides vaguely.
thorough,
evidence-based
explanations.
Presentation Presentation is Presentation is Presentation is Presentation is
well-rehearsed, clear and unclear or lacks disorganized or
clear, and demonstrates a some shows a lack of
engaging. good necessary understanding.
Demonstrates understanding details.
excellent of the tool and
understanding of its impact.
the tool and its
impact.

Total Score: ___ / 28

Research Report Worksheet: Environmental Tool Design

To guide students in gathering the necessary information for their research report, this
worksheet contains key questions they need to answer.

Part 1: Identifying the Environmental Problem

1. What is the environmental problem you are addressing?


a. Briefly describe the problem.
b. How does this problem impact the environment? (e.g., pollution, habitat
loss, resource depletion, etc.)
c. Who or what is affected by this problem? (e.g., wildlife, communities,
ecosystems, etc.)
2. Why is this problem important to solve?
a. How does this problem relate to broader environmental issues (e.g., climate
change, sustainability, biodiversity loss)?
b. What is the potential long-term impact if this problem is not solved?

Part 2: Existing Solutions & Their Limitations

3. What current solutions exist for this problem?


a. Describe any existing tools, technologies, or practices currently being used
to address this issue.
4. What are the limitations or challenges of these existing solutions?
a. Why are these solutions not fully effective, or what gaps remain?

Part 3: Designing Your Tool

5. How does your tool solve the environmental problem?


a. Explain the function and purpose of your tool.
b. How does it address the limitations of existing solutions?
6. Describe the materials and features of your tool.
a. What materials will your tool use, and why are they suitable for the task?
b. What are the key features of your design (e.g., size, shape, functionality)?
7. How will your tool be used in the real world?
a. Who will use your tool, and how will they implement it?
b. Is it easy to use, and can it be replicated or scaled?

Part 4: Feasibility & Impact

8. Is your tool feasible in terms of cost, production, and accessibility?


a. Can your tool be made at an affordable cost?
b. Will it be available to the people or organizations who need it?
9. What potential environmental impact could your tool have?
a. How will your tool reduce the environmental problem?
b. Could it have any unintended consequences, and if so, how might those be
mitigated?

Part 5: Prototype and Tinkercad Design

10. Describe the process you followed to design your tool in Tinkercad:
a. What challenges did you face in the design process, and how did you
overcome them?
b. How does your prototype reflect your initial idea?
11. Include screenshots or a link to your Tinkercad prototype:
a. Provide a detailed view of your prototype, showing key features.

Part 6: Conclusion

12. Summarize your tool and its potential benefits:


a. Why is your tool an innovative solution to the environmental problem?
b. How could your tool contribute to solving this issue on a larger scale?

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