Building activities
Empathize
Students will visit local water bodies, engage with community partners to explore how land-based activities affect aquatic ecosystems, and collaboratively gather field observations and insights to understand the perspectives of aquatic life and water's role, setting the foundation for responsible action and creative expression in later phases.
Days 1 - 9
Tide Pool Exploration
Activity 60m
Field Observations Discussion
Activity 45m
River Estuary Exploration
Activity 60m
Local Water Bodies Mapping
Activity 60m
Define
Students will synthesize their observations and insights from local aquatic environments to define specific water-related challenges in San Diego, focusing on the impact of land-based actions on marine life, and begin to document their findings in scientific journals for reflective analysis.
Days 10 - 18
Diagramming Human Impact
Activity 60m
Visit to Tijuana River Estuary
Activity 90m
Group Reflection and Discussion
Assessment
Scientific Journal Presentation
Assessment
Ideate
Students will brainstorm creative solutions and water-themed performance ideas, collaborating in groups to generate diverse ways we can protect San Diego’s aquatic life, utilizing knowledge from previous exploration experiences and preparing initial concepts to take forward into the prototype phase.
Days 19 - 27
Water Cycle Immersive Storytelling
Launch 45m
Role Play: Interconnected Ecosystems
Activity 45m
Rehearsal of Group Presentation
Activity 60m
Prototype
Students will create low-fidelity puppets and water-themed storyboards using materials like paper, fabric, and recycled items to bring their ideas to life, emphasizing the interconnectedness of land and water and setting the stage for their final performance and classroom displays.
Days 28 - 36
Scientific Journal Polishing
Activity 60m
Scientific Journal Review
Assessment
Test
Students will present their water-themed performances and informational displays to community partners, gather feedback, reflect on their learning journey, and make final improvements to demonstrate a deep understanding of their impact on aquatic life.
Days 37 - 45
Scientific Journal Reflection Workshop
Deliverable 30m
Aquatic Ecosystem Role-Play
Activity 45m
Journal Exhibit Draft Review
Deliverable 30m
Scientific Journal Exhibit
Assessment