Created byRoberta Villarreal

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Creative Climate Solutions Challenge

Grade 9EnglishScienceArt1 days

The "Creative Climate Solutions Challenge" is a project-based learning experience for 9th-grade students, integrating English, science, and art to devise innovative solutions to environmental issues stemming from industrial impacts. Through activities such as research on the industrial revolution, interdisciplinary project proposals, and creating art with recycled materials, students explore the unseen and seen impacts of daily actions and their historical roots. The project culminates in a presentation where students communicate their solutions, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainability and innovation.

InterdisciplinarySustainabilityInnovationIndustrial RevolutionEnvironmental ImpactsCreative SolutionsProject-Based Learning

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we creatively transform the unseen and seen impacts of our daily actions, by considering historical lessons and interdisciplinary approaches, into innovative solutions for a sustainable future?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

What are the visible and invisible impacts of our daily actions on the environment?
How has the history of the industrial revolution contributed to our current environmental challenges?
In what ways can combining different academic disciplines help in finding solutions to environmental problems?
What are some innovative methods to remove, reuse, or repurpose waste products from industrial activities?
How can art and visual representation aid in communicating environmental solutions effectively?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

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

Students will understand the environmental impacts of the industrial revolution and recognize similar impacts from current industrial activities.
Students will identify and analyze visible and invisible environmental impacts of day-to-day human activities.
Students will explore interdisciplinary approaches to solving environmental problems, specifically focusing on combining knowledge from science, art, and history.
Students will create and present a project that proposes innovative methods to repurpose industrial byproducts or reduce environmental impacts.
Students will effectively communicate their project ideas through visual representations and/or presentations.

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.2

Primary

Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; trace the text’s explanation or depiction of a complex process, phenomenon, or concept; provide an accurate summary of the text.Reason: Students need to research and summarize information about the industrial revolution and its environmental impact, which requires understanding complex texts.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4

Primary

Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.Reason: Students will present their innovative environmental solutions, requiring clear and logical organization of their findings and evidence.

Next Generation Science Standards

NGSS.HS-ESS3-4

Primary

Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.Reason: The project involves designing a creative solution to reduce or repurpose byproducts of climate change.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Trash-to-Treasure Mystery Box

Kick off the project with a mysterious delivery to the classroom – a box filled with various items representing byproducts of daily life such as plastic, metals, papers, and small e-waste. Challenge students to transform these items into something new and useful, sparking curiosity about the lifecycle of materials and the sustainability of resources.

Virtual Reality Pollution Tour

Immerse students in the unseen world of pollution with a VR experience that highlights the impact of industrial waste on diverse ecosystems. This visual and sensory journey will encourage students to think critically about the origins of pollution and inspire them to develop innovative solutions to reduce these impacts.

Expert Panel Web Conference

Invite environmental scientists, eco-engineers, and conservationists to a live web conference where students can ask questions and engage in discussions about the complex challenges of climate change and industrial byproducts. This real-world dialogue provides a springboard for student inquiry into potential interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving.

Art of Waste Gallery Walk

Host an art exhibit featuring creations made from upcycled materials, with artists explaining their processes and choices in creating artwork from waste. This event highlights the aesthetic and functional potential of waste materials, prompting students to explore reimagined uses and challenge the concept of waste.

Pollution Impact Documentary Screening

Screen a documentary that uncovers various industrial and daily life contributors to pollution and their global impacts. Follow this with a discussion session where students can reflect on how their own habits contribute to larger environmental issues, setting the stage for student-led initiatives and projects.

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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

Industrial Revolution Investigator

Students will embark on a research journey to uncover the environmental impacts of the industrial revolution and draw parallels to today's industrial activities.

Steps

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

1. Start by exploring various resources, including historical texts and documentaries, to gain an understanding of the industrial revolution.

2. Identify key industrial byproducts from the era that have persisted to modern times.

3. Summarize the environmental impacts of these byproducts on ecosystems, using graphic organizers to aid in organization.

4. Draw connections between these historical impacts and contemporary environmental issues.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed report summarizing the environmental impacts of the industrial revolution, highlighting similarities with current industrial activity impacts.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.9-10.2, focusing on deducing central ideas and phenomena from complex texts.

Activity 2

Interdisciplinary Innovator

In this activity, students explore how different academic disciplines can be combined to propose solutions to environmental problems.

Steps

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

1. Discuss various subjects such as science, art, and history, emphasizing how each can contribute to solving environmental issues.

2. Research interdisciplinary projects in similar domains and compile outcomes.

3. Brainstorm a project idea that fuses elements from at least two disciplines.

4. Develop a project proposal outlining the interdisciplinary approach and intended outcome.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA project proposal that showcases how they plan to use interdisciplinary knowledge to solve an environmental problem.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsFocuses on NGSS.HS-ESS3-4 by evaluating or refining technological solutions, and exploring disciplines interactively for problem-solving.

Activity 3

Artful Environmentalist

Students will use art as a medium to communicate their understanding and solutions to environmental issues caused by industrial byproducts.

Steps

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

1. Study various artworks that have environmental themes or use unconventional materials.

2. Identify a specific environmental issue or byproduct to highlight in their artwork.

3. Sketch an art piece plan, deciding materials and messages to convey.

4. Create the artwork using upcycled materials collected during the entry event.

5. Prepare an artist's statement explaining the work and its connection to the chosen issue.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityCompleted art piece accompanied by an artist's statement, articulating their exploration and the environmental messages behind it.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsConnects with the learning goal of interdisciplinary exploration and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4, using art to present ideas clearly and logically.

Activity 4

Solution Showcase

Students will culminate their learning by presenting their environmental solutions to the class, reflecting on their interdisciplinary approach.

Steps

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

1. Organize the findings from previous activities into a coherent presentation.

2. Develop slides, visual aids, or models to support the presentation.

3. Rehearse the presentation, focusing on clear and logical delivery.

4. Present to the class, emphasizing the innovative solution and interdisciplinary methods used.

5. Engage in a feedback session to reflect on learning experiences and the effectiveness of their solutions.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA class presentation detailing their interdisciplinary environmental solution and the processes involved in developing it.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsDirectly aligned with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4, requiring logical presentation and clear communication of information, findings, and solutions.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Environmental Innovation Projects

Category 1

Research and Understanding

Assesses the ability to conduct thorough research on the industrial revolution's impacts and current industrial activities, and to understand interdisciplinary approaches.

Criterion 1

Research Quality

Quality and depth of research conducted on the environmental impacts of the industrial revolution and current activities.

Exemplary

4 Points

The research is thorough, citing multiple sources accurately, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of environmental impacts both historically and in current scenarios.

Proficient

3 Points

Research is solid, sources are cited accurately, showing a clear understanding of historical and current environmental impacts.

Developing

2 Points

Basic research is conducted with few sources. Shows an emerging understanding of the topics.

Beginning

1 Points

Limited research with minimal sources, showing initial understanding of the topic.

Criterion 2

Interdisciplinary Connections

Ability to connect and integrate various disciplines to understand or solve the problem.

Exemplary

4 Points

Creatively integrates multiple disciplines, showing a mature understanding of how they interconnect to solve environmental issues.

Proficient

3 Points

Connects at least two disciplines effectively to address the problem.

Developing

2 Points

Attempts to connect disciplines with limited success.

Beginning

1 Points

Little to no attempt to connect different disciplines.

Category 2

Creative Solutions and Innovation

Evaluates the creativity and practicality of proposed solutions to environmental issues.

Criterion 1

Solution Innovation

Degree of creativity and innovation demonstrated in the projects or solutions proposed.

Exemplary

4 Points

Proposes highly innovative and original solutions with substantial potential impact.

Proficient

3 Points

Proposes creative and practical solutions with potential positive impacts.

Developing

2 Points

Proposes somewhat original solutions that may have limited impact.

Beginning

1 Points

Solutions are basic or derivative with little potential impact.

Criterion 2

Feasibility and Impact

Practicality and potential environmental impact of the solutions.

Exemplary

4 Points

Solutions are highly feasible and could have a significant positive impact on environmental issues.

Proficient

3 Points

Solutions are feasible and could have a good impact on the problem.

Developing

2 Points

Solutions are somewhat feasible with limited impact potential.

Beginning

1 Points

Solutions lack feasibility or impact.

Category 3

Communication and Presentation

Assesses how effectively students communicate and present their ideas and findings.

Criterion 1

Clarity and Organization

The clarity and structure of the presented information.

Exemplary

4 Points

Information is presented clearly and logically, with excellent structure enabling easy understanding.

Proficient

3 Points

Information is presented clearly and consistently with good organization.

Developing

2 Points

Information is somewhat clear but lacks consistent structure.

Beginning

1 Points

Information is unclear and poorly organized.

Criterion 2

Visual and Artistic Expression

Effectiveness of visual aids and artistic elements in enhancing the presentation.

Exemplary

4 Points

Visual elements are highly engaging and effectively complement the presentation.

Proficient

3 Points

Visual elements are used effectively and enhance the presentation.

Developing

2 Points

Visual elements are used but do not significantly enhance the presentation.

Beginning

1 Points

Minimal or ineffective use of visual elements.

Reflection Prompts

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

Question 1

How has your understanding of the historical and contemporary impacts of industrial byproducts evolved through this project?

Text

Required

Question 2

On a scale from 1 to 5, how confident do you feel about using interdisciplinary approaches to solve environmental problems?

Scale

Required

Question 3

What were the most challenging aspects of designing a creative solution to an environmental problem?

Text

Required

Question 4

Which entry event or portfolio activity had the most significant impact on your learning, and why?

Text

Optional

Question 5

In what ways did your final project creatively combine science, art, and history?

Text

Required

Question 6

What is your opinion on the effectiveness of using visual representations to communicate complex environmental solutions?

Multiple choice

Optional

Options

Very Effective

Effective

Neutral

Ineffective

Very Ineffective

Question 7

Looking forward, how can the skills you've gained from this project contribute to your future studies or career ambitions in tackling environmental issues?

Text

Required