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Bushwick Waste Management Project

Grade 5ScienceEnglish1 days

Fifth-grade students investigate the connection between improper waste disposal and rat infestation in Bushwick, Brooklyn. They research the problem's impact on the environment and community health, exploring sustainable solutions. Students design and implement awareness campaigns, conduct experiments with natural rat deterrents, and propose innovative waste management strategies using technology. The project culminates in presentations and reports showcasing their findings and proposed solutions.

Waste ManagementRat InfestationCommunity HealthEnvironmental StewardshipUrban EcosystemCitizen SciencePublic Awareness

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we design and implement effective waste management solutions in Bushwick to minimize rat infestation, protect environmental health, and promote community well-being?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

How does improper waste disposal contribute to the rat infestation problem in Bushwick?
What are the consequences of increased rat population on the environment and human health?
What are some effective waste management strategies to reduce rat infestation?
How can community members contribute to minimizing the problem of improper waste disposal?
What role can technology play in improving waste management practices?
How does environmental stewardship benefit our community and the planet's future?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Students will be able to explain the connection between improper waste disposal and rat infestation.
Students will be able to research and evaluate different waste management solutions.
Students will be able to design and propose a waste management plan for their community.
Students will be able to communicate their findings and proposals effectively through presentations and written reports.
Students will be able to analyze the impact of human actions on the environment and propose solutions for a sustainable future.

NGSS

5-LS2-1

Primary

Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.Reason: This standard directly relates to the project's focus on waste management and its impact on the environment.

5-PS1-1

Primary

Support an argument that plants get the materials they need for growth chiefly from air and water.Reason: This standard aligns with the project's focus on understanding environmental balance and resource management.

Common Core

W.5.2

Secondary

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.Reason: This standard supports the communication aspect of the project, where students will present their findings and proposals.

SL.5.4

Supporting

Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.Reason: This standard aligns with the project's requirement for students to present their waste management plans.

W.5.7

Supporting

Conduct short research projects that use several sources to build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.Reason: This standard supports the research component of the project, where students will investigate different waste management solutions.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Town Hall Debate

Students participate in a simulated "town hall" meeting to debate the merits of different waste management solutions for their community, role-playing various stakeholders like residents, business owners, and environmental scientists.

Expert Guest Speaker

A local exterminator visits the classroom to discuss the rat problem in Bushwick, sharing real-life stories and images that illustrate the impact of improper waste disposal. Students then brainstorm potential solutions and develop awareness campaigns.

Digital Mapping

Using digital mapping tools, students create a visual representation of rat sightings and waste accumulation in Bushwick. This allows them to identify patterns and hotspots, informing their solution development.

Waste Audit

Students conduct a "waste audit" of their school or a nearby public space, documenting the types and amounts of waste produced. This hands-on activity provides a concrete understanding of the problem and motivates them to find solutions.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Bushwick Rat Investigators

Students will investigate the rat problem in Bushwick, focusing on the factors contributing to its severity and exploring the impact on the environment, community, and public health. They will research the underlying causes, gather data on rat populations and their correlation with waste management practices, and explore the consequences of rat infestation on the local ecosystem and human well-being.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research the reasons why rats are a problem specifically in Bushwick, exploring factors such as waste management practices, urban infrastructure, and environmental conditions.

2. Gather data on rat populations in Bushwick using various sources like local news reports, city data, community surveys, and scientific studies. Analyze the data to identify patterns and correlations between rat infestations and waste disposal practices.

3. Investigate the impact of rat infestation on the Bushwick environment, including effects on local wildlife, vegetation, and sanitation.

4. Explore the consequences of rat infestation on human health and community well-being in Bushwick, including the spread of diseases, economic impact, and psychological effects.

5. Interview community members, local experts, or city officials to gather diverse perspectives on the rat problem and potential solutions.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA research report or a multimedia presentation summarizing the investigation findings, including data analysis, maps, interviews, and proposed solutions for rat mitigation in Bushwick.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses 5-LS2-1 by exploring the movement of waste matter in the environment and its impact on the ecosystem, and addresses W.5.7 by encouraging students to conduct research and gather information from various sources related to the rat problem in Bushwick.

Activity 2

Natural Rat Deterrents

Students will conduct experiments to observe how certain plants can naturally deter rats and contribute to a healthier environment. This activity will involve researching and planting these specific plants, observing their growth, and documenting their impact on rat presence in designated areas.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research various plants known for their rat-deterrent properties, such as peppermint, spearmint, lavender, and marigolds. Investigate the specific compounds within these plants that repel rats and how they work.

2. Design controlled experiments to test the effectiveness of these plants in deterring rats. This may involve creating designated areas with and without the chosen plants, monitoring rat activity, and documenting any changes in rat behavior.

3. Observe and document the growth and health of the chosen plants over a period of time. Note any factors that may influence their growth, such as sunlight, water, and soil conditions.

4. Analyze the data collected from the experiments, including rat activity and plant growth. Draw conclusions about the effectiveness of the chosen plants in deterring rats and their impact on the surrounding environment.

5. Develop a plan for implementing these natural rat deterrents in the Bushwick community. Consider factors such as location, cost, and community involvement.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA lab report documenting the experiment, including research findings, observations, data analysis, conclusions about the effectiveness of chosen plants, and a plan for implementing these natural rat deterrents in the Bushwick community.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses 5-PS1-1 by examining how plants utilize resources from the environment and the impact of waste on plant growth, and indirectly addresses 5-LS2-1 by exploring the interaction between plants and the environment.

Activity 3

Digital Waste Warriors: Bushwick Awareness Campaign

Students will leverage technology to design a comprehensive awareness campaign addressing the waste management and rat infestation issue in Bushwick. They will research effective digital communication strategies and create various materials to educate and engage residents, families, and businesses. The project culminates in a community action plan presentation.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research the most effective digital platforms and tools for reaching residents, families, and businesses in Bushwick (e.g., social media, local news websites, community forums, email newsletters).

2. Develop a core message and create engaging content (e.g., infographics, short videos, blog posts, social media updates) that clearly explains the link between waste management, rat infestation, and community health.

3. Design a mock-up of a website or social media platform dedicated to the awareness campaign. Incorporate the content created in the previous step and ensure clear navigation and user-friendliness.

4. Create an educational video highlighting the waste management problem, its impact on the community, and proposed solutions. This video should be suitable for sharing on various digital platforms.

5. Develop a community action plan outlining specific steps residents, families, and businesses can take to improve waste management practices and reduce rat infestation. Include clear goals, timelines, and resources.

6. Present the digital awareness campaign portfolio and community action plan to the class, demonstrating the functionality of the website/social media platform and explaining the rationale behind the chosen communication strategies.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA digital awareness campaign portfolio including a website or social media platform mock-up, infographic, educational video, and a community action plan presentation.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses W.5.2, SL.5.4, and W.5.7 by requiring students to create digital awareness campaign materials and present their community action plan. It also touches upon 5-LS2-1 by highlighting the impact of waste on the environment.

Activity 4

Tech-Savvy Waste Warriors

Students will conduct short research projects to investigate the role of technology in waste management. They will explore how technology can improve waste collection, sorting, and processing, and propose innovative solutions for their community.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Research different technologies used in waste management (e.g., smart bins, waste sorting robots, anaerobic digesters).

2. Analyze the benefits and challenges of implementing these technologies in Bushwick.

3. Develop a proposal for integrating technology into Bushwick's waste management system.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA research report or presentation showcasing the role of technology in waste management and proposing innovative solutions for Bushwick.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses W.5.7 by encouraging students to conduct research and gather information from various sources.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Bushwick Environmental Stewardship Rubric

Category 1

Research and Data Analysis

Assesses students' ability to conduct thorough research, analyze data, and identify patterns related to waste management and rat infestation.

Criterion 1

Depth of Research

Evaluates the extent and thoroughness of research conducted on waste management practices, rat infestation causes, and potential solutions.

Exemplary

4 Points

Conducts comprehensive research using a wide range of credible sources, showing exceptional understanding of waste management and rat infestation issues.

Proficient

3 Points

Conducts thorough research using multiple credible sources, demonstrating a clear understanding of the topic.

Developing

2 Points

Conducts basic research using limited sources, showing emerging understanding of the topic.

Beginning

1 Points

Conducts minimal research with few sources, showing an initial understanding of the topic.

Criterion 2

Data Interpretation and Analysis

Assesses students' ability to interpret data on rat populations and waste disposal practices, and make informed conclusions.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates exceptional ability to analyze data, identify clear patterns, and make insightful conclusions about rat infestations and waste management in Bushwick.

Proficient

3 Points

Accurately interprets data, identifies patterns, and makes informed conclusions regarding the problem.

Developing

2 Points

Interprets data with assistance, identifying basic patterns with some guidance.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles with data interpretation, requiring significant support to identify patterns.

Category 2

Solution Design and Creativity

Evaluates the originality and feasibility of students' proposed waste management plans and solutions to minimize rat infestation.

Criterion 1

Innovativeness of Solutions

Assesses the originality and creativity in designing waste management solutions and rat deterrent plans.

Exemplary

4 Points

Proposes highly innovative and sustainable solutions with clear, original ideas and comprehensive planning.

Proficient

3 Points

Proposes creative and practical solutions with thoughtful planning and originality.

Developing

2 Points

Proposes basic solutions with some creativity, requiring more detailed planning.

Beginning

1 Points

Proposes rudimentary solutions with minimal creativity or planning.

Criterion 2

Feasibility and Impact

Evaluates the practicality and potential impact of proposed solutions on the community and environment.

Exemplary

4 Points

Solutions are highly feasible, with detailed implementation plans and potential for significant positive community impact.

Proficient

3 Points

Solutions are feasible and include a clear plan with potential for positive impact.

Developing

2 Points

Solutions are somewhat feasible, needing refinement and clearer planning for impact.

Beginning

1 Points

Solutions lack feasibility and detailed planning, showing limited community impact potential.

Category 3

Communication and Presentation

Assesses students' ability to effectively present their findings and solutions through written, oral, and multimedia formats.

Criterion 1

Clarity and Organization

Evaluates the clarity, organization, and coherence of students' presentations and written reports.

Exemplary

4 Points

Presents information in a highly organized, clear, and coherent manner, engaging the audience effectively.

Proficient

3 Points

Presents information clearly and coherently with good organization.

Developing

2 Points

Presentation lacks some clarity or organization, affecting engagement.

Beginning

1 Points

Presentation is unclear and disorganized, significantly impacting understanding.

Criterion 2

Use of Multimedia

Assesses the effectiveness and creativity in using multimedia elements to enhance the presentation of findings and solutions.

Exemplary

4 Points

Uses multimedia creatively and effectively to significantly enhance the presentation and engage the audience.

Proficient

3 Points

Uses multimedia effectively to support the presentation and enhance understanding.

Developing

2 Points

Uses multimedia with basic effectiveness but may require more creative integration.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles with multimedia integration, minimally enhancing the presentation.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

Reflect on the entire project. What were your key takeaways regarding the connection between waste management and rat infestation in Bushwick?

Text

Required

Question 2

How effective were the different learning activities (research, experiments, campaign design, etc.) in helping you understand and address the issue?

Scale

Required

Question 3

Which portfolio activity did you find most engaging and why?

Multiple choice

Required

Options

Bushwick Rat Investigators

Natural Rat Deterrents

Digital Waste Warriors: Bushwick Awareness Campaign

Tech-Savvy Waste Warriors

Question 4

How did your understanding of environmental stewardship and community well-being evolve throughout this project?

Text

Required

Question 5

What challenges did you encounter during the project, and how did you overcome them?

Text

Optional

Question 6

If you were to continue working on this project, what further steps would you take?

Text

Optional