Deliverable
Define Pollution Problem
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Effective Communication
Collaboration
HS-LS2-7
Reflection
Community Partners
Essential Question
Submission Required
In small groups, students will examine local research on pollution and its social consequences to craft a precise problem statement. They will create an initial POV statement, generate several How Might We questions, develop user personas for community members affected by pollution, and build a problem tree or systems map showing root causes and downstream effects. They will gather input from community partners (DEEP, local NGOs, UCONN scientists) through interviews or data reviews and iteratively refine these artifacts based on partner feedback. The deliverables will guide the redesign of cleanup efforts and inform next steps in the project.
Plan day
Day 12
Duration
90 min
Grouping
Small Group
Steps
9 steps
Lesson plan
9 steps · 90 min| # | What teachers do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction & Essential Question Review: Discuss who is affected by pollution and clean-up efforts. (10 min) |
| 2 | Research Review: In groups, assess local pollution studies provided by community partners. (20 min) |
| 3 | Develop Problem Statements: Use research to draft initial pollution problem statements. (15 min) |
| 4 | Create How Might We Questions: Brainstorm possible solutions using innovative questioning techniques. (15 min) |
| 5 | Develop User Personas: Define personas who are affected by pollution, using community feedback. (20 min) |
| 6 | Build Problem Tree: Construct problem trees or systems maps identifying root causes and effects. (30 min) |
| 7 | Partner Feedback: Engage in interviews or data reviews with community partners for feedback. (30 min) |
| 8 | Artifact Refinement: Use feedback to refine problem statements and all other deliverables. (30 min) |
| 9 | Reflection: Update reflective journals, documenting growth and new insights. (15 min) |
Preparation (3 items)
- Gather and print local research studies and case studies on pollution for each group.
- Prepare interview questions and coordinate schedules with community partners for feedback sessions.
- Ensure access to digital tools for creating systems maps and digital portfolios.
Student-facing instructions
Your task is to collaboratively define a precise pollution problem statement. Begin by reviewing local research and discussing the broader implications for affected community members. Develop How Might We questions and create user personas to personalize understanding. Construct a problem tree to map out causes and effects, gathering partner feedback through interviews or data reviews. Refine each part with feedback, and document your reflections in journals to track personal and academic growth.