Eco-React: Crafting Solutions for a Balanced World

High School Grade

Project
3 weeks

Eco-React: Crafting Solutions for a Balanced World

Afton Dixon

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage students in a multidisciplinary exploration of balance, both in mathematical and scientific contexts, and in the broader environmental impact of human activities. By constructing a physical mobile, students will creatively represent complex concepts such as chemical reactions and equilibrium, while also investigating and proposing innovative solutions to mitigate negative environmental effects. This hands-on approach encourages students to synthesize knowledge from math, physics, and environmental science, fostering a deeper understanding of how interconnected systems can be balanced to promote sustainability.

Learning goals

Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of balancing systems of equations in math, explore equilibrium and torque in physics, and investigate chemical reactions and their environmental impacts in science. They will engage in critical thinking to design and propose innovative solutions to mitigate negative effects of human activities on the environment. Through creating a physical mobile, students will synthesize artistic expression with scientific concepts, demonstrating their grasp of the interconnectedness between human actions and environmental health.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSA.REI.C.6: Solve systems of linear equations exactly and approximately.
NGSS - HS-PS1-7: Use mathematical representations to support the claim that atoms, and therefore mass, are conserved during a chemical reaction.
NGSS - HS-ESS3-4: Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.

Products

Throughout the project, students will create a comprehensive portfolio documenting their learning journey, including research notes, sketches, and images of prototypes. This portfolio will culminate in the creation of a physical mobile that visually represents a balanced chemical reaction, associated human activities, environmental impacts, and both existing and student-designed solutions. Students will artistically decorate predetermined shapes within the mobile to convey these concepts, showcasing their understanding and creativity.

Launch

To kick off the project, students will participate in an interactive workshop where they experiment with physical models to explore the principles of equilibrium and torque. They will then engage in a collaborative brainstorming session to identify common human activities that impact chemical reactions in the environment. This will be followed by a guided discussion on existing solutions and innovations, setting the stage for their creative exploration and design of a balanced mobile that visually represents these concepts.

Exhibition

Students will present their portfolios and final mobiles during student-led conferences, inviting families to explore their creative and analytical processes. Each student will guide their audience through their research, sketches, and prototypes, explaining the scientific and mathematical concepts behind their designs. The exhibition will feature interactive stations where attendees can engage with the balancing concepts and environmental solutions proposed by the students. This setting encourages dialogue between students and their families, fostering a deeper understanding of the project's impact.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Interactive Workshop: Engage students in experimenting with physical models to explore principles of equilibrium and torque. Use simple materials like rulers, weights, and fulcrums to demonstrate balance techniques.	Collaborative Brainstorming: Facilitate a session where students identify common human activities affecting chemical reactions in the environment. Use group discussions and mind maps.	Research and Investigation: Assign students to research specific chemical reactions and their environmental impacts. Encourage the use of digital resources, scientific articles, and multimedia presentations.	Concept Sketching: Have students create initial sketches of their mobile design, visually representing a balanced chemical reaction and its impacts. Include sketches of solutions that currently exist.	Guided Discussion: Lead a discussion on existing solutions and innovations that mitigate environmental impacts. Encourage students to think critically about these solutions.
Deliverables	1. Completed research notes and summaries on selected chemical reactions. 2. Initial concept sketches for the mobile design. 3. A list of identified human activities impacting chemical reactions, brainstormed during the collaborative session.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for the interactive workshop, including rulers, weights, and fulcrums. 2. Prepare a list of suggested chemical reactions for student research. 3. Set up digital resources and access to scientific articles for students to explore. 4. Create a brainstorming template or mind map for the collaborative session. 5. Curate a list of existing solutions to environmental impacts for the guided discussion.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Prototype Development: Guide students in constructing initial prototypes of their mobile designs using materials like wire, string, and paper. Encourage iterative testing to achieve balance.	Mathematics and Physics Application: Facilitate hands-on activities where students calculate the torque and equilibrium points for their mobile designs. Provide scenarios where they can solve systems of equations related to balance.	Environmental Science Deep Dive: Engage students in a lab activity that simulates a chemical reaction relevant to their research. Discuss the human impact and environmental implications of these reactions.	Creative Solutions Workshop: Organize a session where students brainstorm and sketch innovative solutions to mitigate negative environmental impacts. Encourage peer feedback and refinement of ideas.	Artistic Enhancement: Allow students time to artistically decorate the components of their mobile to represent the chemical reaction, human activity, environmental impact, and solutions.
Deliverables	1. Completed prototype of the mobile with evidence of iterative testing and adjustments. 2. Mathematical calculations and physics analyses demonstrating understanding of torque and equilibrium. 3. Lab report detailing observations from the chemical reaction simulation and its environmental implications.
Preparation	1. Gather materials for prototype development such as wire, string, paper, and tools for adjustments. 2. Prepare mathematical and physics problem sets related to torque and equilibrium for hands-on activities. 3. Set up materials and safety instructions for the chemical reaction lab activity. 4. Organize resources for the creative solutions workshop, including templates for idea generation and feedback. 5. Provide art supplies for students to decorate their mobile components.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Final Mobile Construction: Guide students in assembling their final mobile, ensuring balance and stability. Provide support for any necessary adjustments and encourage the integration of artistic elements.	Portfolio Compilation: Assist students in compiling their research, sketches, mathematical calculations, and lab reports into a cohesive portfolio. Encourage reflection on their learning journey and the connections between concepts.	Rehearsal for Exhibition: Facilitate practice sessions where students present their portfolios and mobiles. Provide feedback on clarity, engagement, and depth of explanation to refine their presentations.	Interactive Peer Review: Organize a peer review session where students present their mobiles and receive constructive feedback. Encourage them to incorporate suggestions and make final adjustments.
Deliverables	1. Completed and balanced final mobile with artistic elements. 2. Compiled portfolio documenting research, design process, and reflections. 3. Presentation script or outline prepared for student-led conferences.
Preparation	1. Prepare additional materials and tools for any last-minute adjustments to the mobiles. 2. Provide guidelines and templates for compiling the portfolio, ensuring all necessary components are included. 3. Set up a schedule and space for rehearsal and peer review sessions, ensuring a supportive environment. 4. Create a feedback form or rubric for peer review to guide constructive comments.