EEA RESOURCES
​Eco-Engineering Challenges

Eco-Engineering Challenges
​EEA's Eco-Engineering Challenges provide opportunities for students to identify and research environmental problems, design solutions, build prototypes, test and refine their solutions, and share the results with authentic audiences or markets. These challenges integrate science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in cohesive, experiential projects.

Like all STEM engineering challenges, the iterative design process is key. This means that students will need  opportunities to test and refine their solutions. At least one part of every Eco-Engineering Challenge is intended to take place outdoors. Students observe and solve real-world problems in the schoolyard.

​Research shows that students who are least likely to major or become employed in STEM fields -- girls and children of color -- are more engaged and likely to persist in STEM learning that is focused on solutions to environmental or social problems rather than  robotics, rocketry, or technological gadgets for the consumer market. In addition, students who learn about environmental problems while given a chance to contribute to their solutions are less likely to become depressed about the state of the world and disengaged. Students who work on bite-sized problems and graduated challenges gain skills and confidence (also referred to as self-efficacy) to believe they can make a difference in the world.

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Lab Report Forms and Templates​

Template for TEACHER-CREATED Eco-Engineering Challenges

eea_ecoengineering_challenge_-_teacher_template.docx
File Size:	317 kb
File Type:	docx

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TEMPLATE FOR STUDENT ECo-engineering lab report

eea_ecoengineering_challenge_lab_report_forms_for_students.docx
File Size:	563 kb
File Type:	docx

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ec0-ENGINEERING DESIGN PROCESS POSTER

ecoengineering_design_process_flow_chart.docx
File Size:	367 kb
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Eco-Engineering Challenge SCORING RUBRIC

rubric_for_eco-engineering_challenges.docx
File Size:	125 kb
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RESEARCH Behind Eco-engineering design challenges

Learn More

How to transform a lesson into an eco-engineering Challenge

transforming_traditional_lessons_into_ecoengineering_challenges.docx
File Size:	1362 kb
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What Teachers Bring to EcoEngineering Challenges

• A problem to solve
  
• Design constraints (time, cost, specs)
  
• Variety of materials
  
• Minimum of coaching / no preconceived outcomes
  
• Time for students to test and refine prototypes
  
• ​Change to go outside and make real world connections
  
• A gallery walk or other opportunity ​to share work
  

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What Students Bring to EcoEngineering Challenges

• Curiosity and creativity
  
• Resourcefulness
  
• Research
  
• An idea for a prototype
  
• Tests and refinements 
  
• Willingness to fail and try again
  

The EEA Eco-Engineering Challenges

Start by downloading the blank Student Lab Report form from the yellow accordion files above and provide a digital or print version to each student, pair of students, or team of four. Then pick one (or more) of the Eco-Engineering Challenges below.

Biodiversity Challenge: Search for the Lost Ladybug 
Design, build, and test a ladybug catcher to search for rare nine-spotted ladybug

Coming Soon

Biodiversity Challenge: Native Bee Habitat 
Design, test, and build a "bee hotel" to provide urban habitat for native bees

Click here

Biodiversity Challenge: Monarch Butterfly Habitat Restoration
Design, test, and plant a garden to provide habitat for monarch butterflies

By following specific criteria, you can design a pollinator habitat that is eligible to be certified by Monarchs Across Georgia.

• Biodiversity Challenge: Pollinator Habitat Planning Guide

Click here

Zero Waste Challenge: Microplastics
Design, test, and create a device for catching microplastics to assess stream health

Click here

​Zero Waste Challenge: Food Waste Vermiculture
Design, test, and build a worm bin to divert food from the landfill

Click here

Zero Waste Challenge: Oil Spill Clean-Up
Design, test, and build a device to clean up an oil spill using magnets

Coming Soon

Zero Waste Challenge: Food Waste Composter
Design, test, and build a composting device to divert food from the landfill

Click here

Energy Challenge: Heat Transfer / Solar Cooking Version
Design, test, and build a solar cooker to transfer heat effectively and cook food

Coming soon

Energy Challenge: Renewable Energy Sources
Design, test, and build a wind turbine to generate power​

Coming soon

Human Impact Challenge: Land Restoration / Erosion Control
Design, test, and build a solution for an eroded area in the schoolyard

Coming soon

Zero Heroes Curriculum Guide

Lessons and activities related to reducing waste, including eco-engineering challenges, community science projects, and field investigations. Click here for free Educator Guide. 

Click here