Many educators are looking for authentic learning experiences for their students. Many educators want to dive into design thinking/project based learning/hands on immersion experiences, but don’t always know how to begin or have the time to make it happen.
This year we have launched a series of global projects focused on the sustainable development goals where students from around the world come together to examine a global issue and work to develop a local solution. We have completed a project focused on helping sea turtles consume less plastic and are currently exploring ways to improve education.
Today we are excited to introduce a new project open to anyone in the world to help create a solution to a massive issue around the globe focused on waste management. We have partnered with our local landfill, Scott County Landfill, to create a project focused on the following question:
How can we solve the problems of waste in our local landfills using STEM and design thinking?
The goal of this project is for students to understand what happens to all the waste we create. A landfill is a serious operation full of engineering and STEM jobs and problem solving. We have spoken to all the workers, and they have identified 14 major problems they face when trying to do their work.
This project will lead students through a design thinking framework from March through May where students will be tasked to design and create a solution to one of these problems. Through the use of tools like Skype, Flipgrid, and other online collaboration tools students will network together as well as work with members from the Scott County Landfill to design solutions.
You can access the project website here. The month of February is designed to get you registered and all setup for success. Once you register we will share with you an email that will give you access to eveything you need. Lesson plans and slides will be posted to site before we begin in March.
Even if you don’t live in our area, you can still take part. You have the following options.
- Use our landfill just as the local classrooms. You can still engage, interact, and help solve the problems.
- You could also reach out to your own local landfill and do the project, but pitch your ideas. If you went this route, then please let me know so we can promote your area and work on the site.
Sign up today and help push the thinking and learning of students in the classroom while making a difference in the world.
If you have questions, please reach out and I will help you with what you need!
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