The goals of the project are as follows:

• 1. 1. Students will research and draw scientific data-based conclusions about a environmental issue local to the fictional community of Blue Ridge County, VA.

     2. Students will collaborate with a cross county team to identify a solution for a provided local environmental issue in relation to their assigned topic. Those future actions may include, but not limited to:

        • • Development of a physical artifact

          • PSA with tangible component

          • Others ideas will need to have PRIOR approval from the instructors

     3. Student teams will create plans for funding, logistics and examples for a specific solution for their topic.

     4. Students will formally present results of research, specific plans, and the artifact for their solution in the context of feasibility and cost effectiveness for the municipality of Blue Ridge County to fund.

The project will involve the following steps:

• • 1. Pre-project activities: Students will be assigned to project topics and teams, and will research those prior to the project kickoff meeting.

    2. Students and teachers will meet at UVa to review project requirements and to research their topics in depth.

    3. Student groups will complete the Post-Kickoff Source Review.

    4. Students will write individual papers outlining the background, pros and cons, and possible future next steps in their topic.

    5. Students will work in teams to decide on a specific next step in their topic area and to create a grant proposal for that step.

    6. Students will create a website and presentation outlining their proposed solution along with an artifact, and will formally present their grant proposal to a "committee" of their peers (think "Shark Tank" - be engaging and impressive while staying scientific and factual/data-based in content).