Middle School Grade
  • Project
  • 1 week

Ecosystem Explorers: Innovating for a Greener Future

Amal Mohamed
Social groupings
Constructive critique
Using evidence
Explaining my reasoning
Evaluating information
+ 6 more

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to immerse middle school students in the vibrant ecosystem of Boston, transforming the city into a dynamic learning environment. By engaging with community partners such as local universities and government agencies, students will explore the intersection of ecology, biodiversity, and policy-making. Through hands-on experiences, critical dialogue, and creative expression, students will develop a deep understanding of local environmental challenges and their own role in fostering sustainable solutions. This project aims to cultivate foundational knowledge, critical thinking, and innovative problem-solving skills, empowering students to become informed and active participants in their community.

Learning goals

In this project, students will explore the dynamic relationship between human activities and local ecosystems in Boston. They will learn about ecology and biodiversity through direct engagement with university experts and government agencies. Students will develop skills in critical dialogue by constructing critiques and using evidence to explain their reasoning. They will evaluate information to understand the impact of policy-making on ecosystems and propose innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Through creative processes, students will engage in empathic problem-solving and generate ideas for impact. They will collaborate productively, reflecting on their work and making learning relevant to real-world contexts. By participating in exhibitions and film festivals, students will share their findings and receive feedback, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of ecological diversity. This project aligns with competencies in foundational knowledge, critical dialogue, creative thinking, collaboration, and lifelong learning.
Standards
  • NGSS - MS-LS2-1: Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence for the effects of resource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.
  • NGSS - MS-ESS3-3: Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing a human impact on the environment.
  • Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.4: Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with relevant evidence, sound valid reasoning, and well-chosen details.
Competencies
  • Holders of Foundational Knowledge - Cultures - Social groupings (FK.SS.4.b)
  • Masters of All Fundamental Literacies - Critical Dialogue - Constructive critique (FL.ID.3.d)
  • Masters of All Fundamental Literacies - Critical Dialogue - Using evidence (FL.ID.3.c)
  • Masters of All Fundamental Literacies - Critical Dialogue - Explaining my reasoning (FL.ID.3.b)
  • Masters of All Fundamental Literacies - Making Meaning - Evaluating information (FL.ID.1.c)
  • Original Thinkers for an Uncertain World - Creative Process - Innovative thinking (OT.Creat.1.c)
  • Original Thinkers for an Uncertain World - Problem Seeking - Empathic problem solving (OT.PS.1.b)
  • Original Thinkers for an Uncertain World - Sharing Ideas - Ideas for impact (OT.Creat.2.b)
  • Generous Collaborators for Tough Problems - Productive Collaboration - Reflecting on our work (GC.IS.4.c)
  • Learners for Life - Self-Motivation - Making learning relevant (LL.SD.1.b)
  • Learners for Life - Receiving Feedback - Evaluating feedback (LL.SM.1.b)

Products

In this project, students will create a variety of products that showcase their understanding and innovative solutions to local ecosystem challenges. They will develop mathematical models and computational simulations to explain factors affecting the carrying capacity of ecosystems, which will be compiled into a digital portfolio. This portfolio will be shared with community partners for feedback, allowing students to refine their interdisciplinary learning. Additionally, students will produce short documentaries or animations highlighting the importance of biodiversity in ecosystems, which will be screened at a Biodiversity Film Festival. These films will serve as a medium for students to engage the school community and local environmental groups in discussions about ecological diversity. Furthermore, students will organize an Eco-Impact Fair, where they will set up interactive booths to present their research findings and proposed solutions to local environmental issues. This fair will provide an opportunity for students to engage in critical dialogue with community members, university partners, and local government officials, fostering a collaborative approach to environmental sustainability. Through these activities, students will accomplish the goal of using the city of Boston as their classroom, applying their learning in real-world contexts, and demonstrating their growth in competencies such as critical dialogue, innovative thinking, and empathic problem-solving.

Launch

To kick off the project, organize a "City as a Classroom" scavenger hunt in Boston. Begin with a brief introduction to Boston's unique ecosystems and biodiversity. Divide students into small groups and provide them with a map and a list of locations, such as parks, historical sites, and urban green spaces, where they will observe and document various ecological features. Each location will have a specific task, such as identifying local plant species, observing wildlife, or noting human impact on the environment. Encourage students to take photos, make sketches, and record their observations. This engaging activity will not only familiarize them with the city's ecological landscape but also spark curiosity and provide a real-world context for their upcoming project work.

Exhibition

To effectively exhibit the outcomes of this project, students will participate in an Eco-Impact Fair, where they will set up interactive booths to present their research and solutions to local ecosystem challenges. This public event will involve community partners, local government officials, and university experts, providing a platform for students to engage in critical dialogue and receive constructive feedback. Additionally, a Biodiversity Film Festival will be organized, showcasing student-created documentaries on the importance of biodiversity. These exhibitions will not only highlight students' innovative thinking and problem-solving skills but also foster community dialogue on environmental sustainability and encourage students to reflect on their learning journey.