Project Theme:
by Nick, Jet, Meg, and Jamie
The theme of this project is Waste Management and how we can integrate that into all subjects for a truly rich and well rounded student learning experience.
Project Goals:
1) Bring about student awareness of the problem of waste and how it affects people globally through a series of cross-curricular problem-based projects
2) Students will focus on creating solutions to address the waste problem in our world today
And How These Project Goals for Waste Management Student Activities Tie in to the 21st Century Knowledge and Skills Framework...
Problem Solving
Help students with Problem Solving skills by allowing them to attack the problem of Waste Management for themselves.
Project Idea:
We could have the kids do an experiment where we allow them to demonstrate how fast different kinds of waste (paper, plastic bottles, cell phones, etc.) break down in soil over time. After that, let them brainstorm what can be done to deal with waste on a large scale in light of these project results.
Collaboration
Let students discover that working together speeds up the process.
We can thrust upon them the problems of their generation and encourage them to accomplish something. We could have the kids do an experiment where we allow them to demonstrate how fast different kinds of waste (paper, plastic bottles, cell phones, etc.) break down in soil over time.
Many hands make light work.
Communication
We could help the students communicate the needs of their communities. Students could post pictures of trash built up in their nearby parks or courtyards on social media with a particular hashtag.
Project Idea:
In light of the need for communication between students in waste management, we could let students set up a student-run school wide bottle recycling program.
Information, Media, and Technology Skills
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking in waste management is all about asking the right questions that help students assess both the meaning of waste management and the significance of waste management. Building critical thinking skills as it relates to waste management and applying those skills make it easier for students to assess the problem of waste, to evaluate the arguments concerning waste, and to adapt thinking concerning waste management, so as to stay switched on and engaged in resolving the waste problem and upholding waste management for a safer environment.
Interdisciplinary Themes
The challenge for students is to design or innovate a current design of waste management. Students must utilize science, technology, engineering, art, and math in order to create a project to positively effect waste management. Students may pick a step in the process of waste management to make more efficient , or may choose to create a new process altogether. Students will build their designs, and be able to provide a demonstration of how their design addresses the concern of waste management.
Cross-disciplinary Themes
Studies of the physics of waste management
The mathematics of waste management
Studies of the science of waste management
Waste management and the arts
Studies of the technology of waste management
Computer science and waste management
Social Studies and waste management
Studies of the engineering of waste management
Other 21st Century Skills Relevant to Waste Management
Students must utilize technology and digital skills in order to conduct their research for this project. This may involve the use of apps to facilitate in making and displaying their designs.