Michigan Mission: Eco-Power for Tomorrow!

6th Grade

Project
4 weeks

Michigan Mission: Eco-Power for Tomorrow!

Denise Dutcher

Purpose

Students will investigate the local environment in Dexter, Michigan, to understand human impacts and explore solutions. They will engage with community members, collect data, and analyze real-world environmental issues. The project aims to develop actionable plans to mitigate negative effects, fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to their community.

Learning goals

Students will investigate local environmental issues and analyze human impacts on ecosystems in Dexter, Michigan. They will develop research skills by collecting data and conducting experiments related to pollution, land use, and resource consumption. Throughout the project, students will collaborate to propose actionable solutions that address these impacts, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. By the end of the project, students will present their findings and solutions to community stakeholders, enhancing their communication skills and understanding of civic responsibility.

Standards

NGSS - MS-ESS3-3: Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.
NGSS - MS-ESS3-4: Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth's systems.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.6.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

Products

Students will collaborate to create a multimedia presentation and a community action plan that addresses human impacts on the environment in Dexter, Michigan. Throughout the project, students will conduct local surveys, analyze data, and document their findings through digital journals. They will also design informational posters to educate the community on sustainable practices and present their final action plan to local stakeholders, including school officials and community leaders.

Launch

Begin the project with a community walk in Dexter, Michigan, where students observe and document examples of human impact on the local environment. Encourage students to take photos and notes of areas affected by pollution, deforestation, or urban development. After the walk, facilitate a discussion where students share their observations and brainstorm potential solutions to mitigate these impacts. This activity will set the stage for deeper investigation and action throughout the project.

Exhibition

Students will host a community science fair at the local library, where they will present their findings and proposed solutions to mitigate human impacts on the environment in Dexter, Michigan. Each group will create a display board and a digital presentation to share their research, experiments, and action plans with community members, local environmental organizations, and peers. The event will include interactive demonstrations and a Q&A session, allowing students to engage directly with attendees and gather feedback on their projects.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Community Walk and Observation - Begin with a community walk in Dexter, Michigan; students document human impacts on the environment through photos and notes, focusing on pollution, deforestation, or urban development (45 min)	Sharing Observations and Brainstorming Solutions - Facilitate a class discussion where students share their observations from the community walk and brainstorm potential solutions to mitigate the impacts they observed (25 min) Introduction to Research Teams - Organize students into research teams, assigning each group a specific aspect of human impact to investigate further (20 min)	Research Skills Workshop - Teach students basic research skills, including how to collect data, conduct surveys, and use digital tools to document findings (30 min) Initial Research Planning - In their teams, students begin planning their research approach and identifying necessary resources and tools (15 min)	Survey Design and Development - Guide students in designing surveys to collect data from community members about local environmental issues (25 min) Exploring Data Collection Methods - Students explore different data collection methods and decide on the most suitable ones for their research (20 min)	Survey Peer Review and Feedback - Teams exchange survey drafts with peers for feedback and make necessary revisions (20 min) Setting Research Goals - Each team sets specific research goals for the following week, ensuring alignment with project objectives (25 min)
Deliverables	1. Documented observations from the community walk with photos and notes 2. List of brainstormed solutions to human impacts on the local environment 3. Research summary on local environmental issues 4. Survey questions designed for community data collection
Preparation	1. Coordinate with local environmental experts for guest speaking or interviews 2. Prepare cameras or smartphones for students to take photos during the community walk 3. Provide access to computers and online research resources 4. Print survey forms for distribution 5. Plan the route and logistics for the community walk, ensuring safety and coverage of diverse areas

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Community Survey Deployment - Students deploy their designed surveys to community members, gathering data on local environmental issues and human impacts (45 min)	Data Analysis Workshop - Students learn basic data analysis techniques to interpret survey results and identify trends related to human impacts (30 min) Team Data Review - Each team reviews collected survey data, discussing initial findings and implications for their research focus (15 min)	Field Data Collection - Teams conduct field investigations, collecting data on local environmental conditions such as water quality or air pollution levels (45 min)	Analyzing Field Data - Students analyze the field data collected, considering its significance and how it relates to survey findings (30 min) Identifying Key Issues - Teams identify key environmental issues in Dexter, Michigan, based on their data analysis, preparing to propose solutions (15 min)	Solution Brainstorming Session - Teams brainstorm potential solutions to the identified environmental issues, ensuring solutions are actionable and community-focused (30 min) Research Progress Reflection - Students reflect on their progress, sharing insights and adjustments needed to align with project objectives (15 min)
Deliverables	1. A refined research question and outline of key information related to their chosen topic. 2. A detailed field study plan, including objectives, methods, and a timeline. 3. A checklist of materials and resources needed for data collection.
Preparation	1. Arrange access to computers or tablets for online research. 2. Schedule time with local experts or organizations for potential interviews or consultations. 3. Gather materials for field study preparation, such as notebooks, cameras, and environmental measurement tools. 4. Set up a classroom space for group work and presentations.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Data Collection in the Field - Students visit selected sites in Dexter, Michigan, to collect data on human impacts using their developed surveys and observation checklists (45 min)	Analyzing Collected Data - Guide students in organizing and interpreting their collected data using graphs and charts to identify patterns and impacts (30 min) Discussion on Initial Findings - Facilitate a class discussion where teams share their initial findings and insights from the data analysis (15 min)	Solution Brainstorming Session - In groups, students brainstorm potential solutions to the environmental impacts identified, focusing on feasibility and community engagement (25 min) Developing Action Plans - Students begin drafting an action plan outlining steps to address the issues based on their brainstormed solutions (20 min)	Peer Feedback on Action Plans - Teams exchange action plans with peers for constructive feedback on clarity and potential impact (20 min) Refining Action Plans - Incorporate feedback to refine and finalize the action plans, ensuring they are practical and aligned with project goals (25 min)	Creating Informational Posters - Students design posters that highlight their findings and proposed solutions for community education (30 min) Planning for Community Presentation - Students organize and plan for their upcoming community presentations, deciding roles and key points to cover (15 min)
Deliverables	1. Data analysis summary that identifies patterns and key human impacts in Dexter, Michigan. 2. Draft project proposal for a mitigation experiment, including detailed plans and expected outcomes. 3. Revised project proposal incorporating peer feedback. 4. Group presentation of the proposed experiment plan.
Preparation	1. Organize data collection materials from Week 2, including notes, photos, and survey results. 2. Ensure access to computers or tablets for drafting and revising project proposals. 3. Prepare guidelines and templates for writing a scientific project proposal. 4. Arrange for a peer review protocol and feedback forms to guide constructive criticism. 5. Set up a schedule and space for group presentations within the classroom.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Final Data Analysis - Teams engage in analyzing collected survey data and environmental observations to draw conclusions about human impacts in Dexter, Michigan (25 min) Solution Development - Students collaborate to develop actionable solutions based on their data analysis and research findings (20 min)	Solution Refinement - Students refine their proposed solutions, incorporating feedback from peer reviews and aligning with community needs (25 min) Presentation Design - Teams begin creating multimedia presentations to effectively communicate their findings and proposed solutions (20 min)	Rehearsal and Feedback - Students practice presenting their findings and solutions, receiving peer feedback to improve clarity and impact (25 min) Poster Creation - Design informational posters to educate the community on sustainable practices related to their project (20 min)	Final Presentation Preparations - Students finalize multimedia presentations and poster designs, ensuring all materials are ready for the exhibition (20 min) Exhibition Setup - Teams organize and set up their displays and demonstration stations for the community science fair (25 min)	Community Science Fair - Host the exhibition at the local library, where students present their projects to community members, engage in Q&A sessions, and gather feedback (45 min)
Deliverables	1. Complete multimedia presentations ready for exhibition. 2. Printed and finalized community action plans. 3. Informational posters designed and printed for display. 4. Interactive demonstrations prepared and practiced.
Preparation	1. Ensure access to computers and software for finalizing multimedia presentations. 2. Arrange for poster printing and any additional materials needed for demonstrations. 3. Coordinate with the local library for science fair setup, ensuring necessary equipment and space are available. 4. Invite community stakeholders, local environmental organizations, and families to attend the science fair. 5. Prepare feedback forms for attendees to provide insights and suggestions.