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7th Grade  Project 6 weeks

Eco-Detectives: Unveiling Hidden Environmental Clues!

Sarah F
Updated
Evaluate use of techniques and technology
Connect to the natural world
Identify an issue or design challenge
Gather and organize original data
Select and evaluate sources
+ 5 more
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The Challenge

Excessive artificial lighting in urban areas significantly disrupts ecological patterns by altering circadian rhythms and interfering with wildlife migration, specifically affecting bird populations. These changes contribute to declining biodiversity, highlighting the urgent need for effective strategies to mitigate light pollution.

Competencies
  • Read The World - Evaluate use of techniques and technology (RW.3)
  • Sustain Well-Being - Connect to the natural world (SW.4)
  • Design Solutions - Identify an issue or design challenge (DS.1)
  • Engage In Inquiry - Gather and organize original data (EI.4)
  • Engage In Inquiry - Select and evaluate sources (EI.3)
  • Engage In Inquiry - Frame a question (EI.1)
  • Sustain Well-Being - Build cultural intelligence (SW.3)
  • Design Solutions - Build models, prototypes, or action plans (DS.2)
  • Design Solutions - Test, act, iterate (DS.3)
  • Engage In Inquiry - Synthesize sources or findings (EI.5)

Learning Partners and Clients

NYC community members and the NYC Audubon Society work together to address the city's light pollution issues, with students playing a vital role by gathering data and presenting findings to city officials. Collaborating with Audubon Society mentors, students delve into the impact of artificial lighting on bird migration, learning strategies to mitigate its effects. As they collect and analyze real-world data, students build sensor-driven AI communication systems that convey scientific insights to help inform public awareness and policy decisions, actively contributing to a greener, healthier urban environment.

Phase Outcomes

Phase Learning Outcome
Discover
I can identify the challenge of light pollution and its impact on ecosystems and human health by engaging in activities that spark curiosity and deepen understanding of the issue.
Examine
I can conduct research to understand the causes and effects of excessive artificial lighting, including data collection and analysis with guidance from environmental experts.
Engineer
I can develop a solution to mitigate light pollution, designing a system that effectively translates data into actionable insights for community stakeholders.
Do
I can implement my built solution by deploying sensors to collect real-time data on lighting impacts and thoroughly test its effectiveness before presenting our findings.
Share
I can share my solution and learning experience with the community through an interactive presentation, highlighting both the project's impact and my personal growth during the journey.