Objective: 

Students will design an app to raise awareness about an environmental issue, applying their knowledge of environmental impacts and user-centered design principles.

Materials Needed:

• Paper, markers, and pencils for app mockup designs

• Reference materials on environmental issues

Steps:

• Introduction: 

  • Discuss the power of technology and apps in raising public awareness and inspiring action on environmental issues. 

  • Present examples of existing environmental apps and how they engage users.

• Group Activity: 

  • In small groups, students choose an environmental issue they researched (e.g., water conservation, air pollution) and brainstorm features for an app that educates users and encourages behavior change.

  • Possible features: interactive maps, notifications for environmentally friendly practices, real-time data displays, social media integration, or daily challenges.

• App Design: 

  • Students create mockups of their app's interface on paper, illustrating key screens and features. 

  • They also consider how the app would track data or educate users.

• Presentation & Discussion: 

  • Each group presents their app mockup, explaining how its features would engage the public and promote environmentally friendly actions. 

  • Students receive peer feedback to improve their designs.

• Refining the Design: 

  • Based on feedback, groups revise their app designs, adding or modifying features to make the app more user-friendly and effective in raising awareness.

CS Practice(s):

• Fostering an Inclusive Computing Culture: Students consider how their app design can be accessible and engaging to a diverse audience.

• Recognizing and Defining Computational Problems: Students identify the environmental problem and design features that address it through app functionalities.

• Communicating about Computing: Students present and explain their app designs, focusing on how they would engage users to take action.

Standard(s):

• CA NGSS MS-ESS3-3

• CA CS 6-8.IC.24

Objective: 

Students will use sensors to collect and analyze environmental data and develop solutions to minimize human environmental impacts. They will represent the data in various formats and refine their designs using computational tools.

Materials Needed:

• Environmental sensors (e.g., for air quality, water usage)

• Computing devices with data analysis software (e.g., Google Sheets, Excel)

Steps:

• Introduction: 

  • Discuss the importance of monitoring environmental factors and introduce sensors as tools for data collection.

• Group Activity: 

  • Students work in pairs to collect real-time data using sensors. 

  • They analyze the data and represent it visually (e.g., using bar graphs or pie charts).

• Design & Propose: 

  • Using the data collected, students develop a solution to minimize human environmental impacts. 

  • They create digital representations of the data and their proposed solution.

• Testing & Refining: 

  • Students present their findings to the class and revise their solutions based on feedback.

CS Practice(s):

• Creating Computational Artifacts: Students use sensors and software to create digital artifacts that represent environmental data.

• Testing and Refining Computational Artifacts: Students refine their solutions based on data analysis and peer feedback.

Standard(s):

• CA NGSS MS-ESS3-5

• CA 6-8.DA.8