The Community Connection

In a regional gathering called the Youth Water Summit, high school students present projects that respond to the driving question behind their science curriculum: "How can you address a significant water resource challenge in your community's watershed?" Students exhibit scientific po...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Science teacher (National Science Teachers Association) 2015-01, Vol.82 (1), p.47
Main Authors: Rittenburg, Rebecca, Miller, Brant G, Rust, Cindy, Esler, Jamie, Kreider, Rusti, Boylan, Ryan, Squires, Audrey
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Academic Standards
Active Learning
Behavioral Objectives
Classroom Techniques
Conservation Education
Demonstrations (Educational)
Educational Practices
Exhibits
Field Experience Programs
Hands on Science
High School Students
Idaho
Problem Based Learning
Program Evaluation
Science Course Improvement Projects
State Standards
Student Projects
Teaching Methods
Water
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Summary:In a regional gathering called the Youth Water Summit, high school students present projects that respond to the driving question behind their science curriculum: "How can you address a significant water resource challenge in your community's watershed?" Students exhibit scientific posters, interactive presentations, films, art projects, and game simulations to judges representing the community from government agencies, businesses, nonprofits, and academic research groups. The Youth Water Summit is the culminating event for The Confluence Project (TCP), a year-long, project-based science (PBS) model implemented in five schools, including three biology classes, one International Baccalaureate Environmental Systems and Societies class, and one elective environmental science club. In this article, the authors demonstrate two PBS approaches that bring science and engineering to life. First, they immerse students in science and engineering to identify local challenges and design solutions. Then, they showcase examples of student-produced solutions and rubrics aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS Lead States 2013) and Common Core State Standards (NGAC and CCSSO 2010) to assess the projects. Throughout the article, the authors discuss how to adapt and scale this framework based on resources and how it can apply to various disciplinary core ideas.
ISSN:0036-8555
DOI:10.2505/4/tst15_082_01_47