Getting Started . . .
What are the EEA Eco-Engineering Challenges?
The EEA 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. The Eco-Engineering Challenges were created
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.
Forms and Templates for EEA Eco-Engineering Challenges
|
Template for TEACHER-CREATED Challenges
TEMPLATE FOR STUDENT ECo-engineering lab report
ec0-ENGINEERING DESIGN PROCESS POSTER
Eco-Engineering Challenge SCORING RUBRIC
REsearch Behind Eco-engineering design challenges
How to transform a lesson into an eco-engineering Challenge
| ||||||||||
|
What teachers bring to EcoEngineering Challenges:
|
|
|
What students bring to EcoEngineering Challenges:
|
The EEA Eco-Engineering Challenges
Remember to download the blank Student Lab Report form from the purple accordion files above, and provide a digital or print version to each student, pair of students, or team of four. They will also need access to an Eco-Engineering Challenge (below).
|
Biodiversity Challenge: Search for the Lost Ladybug
Design, Test and Build a Ladybug Catcher to Search for Rare 9-Spotted Ladybug
| ||
|
Biodiversity Challenge: Native Bee Habitat
Design, Test and Build a "Bee Hotel" to Provide Urban Habitat for Native Bees |
|
Biodiversity Challenge: Monarch Butterfly Habitat Restoration
Design, Test and Install a Garden to Provide Habitat for Monarch Butterflies |
|
Zero Waste Challenge: Microplastics Version
Design, Test and Create a Device for Catching Microplastics to Assess Stream Health |
|
Zero Waste Challenge: Food Waste / Vermiculture Version
Design, Test and Build a Worm Bin to Divert Food Waste from the Landfill |
|
Zero Waste Challenge: Oil Spill Clean-Up
Design, Test and Build a Device to Clean Up an Oil Spill Using Magnets |
|
Zero Waste Challenge: Food Waste / Composter Version
Design, Test and Build a Composting Device to Divert Food Waste from the Landfill |
|
Energy Challenge: Heat Transfer / Solar Cooking Version
Design, Test and Build a Solar Cooker to Transfer Heat Effectively and Cook Food |
|
Energy Challenge: Renewable Energy Sources
Design, Test and Build a Wind Turbine to Generate Power
|
|
Human Impact Challenge: Land Restoration / Erosion Control
Design, Test and Build a Solution for an Eroded Area in the Schoolyard
|
