Summer Institute Day 3
The third day of this summer institute was spent exploring and learning about the work done at the Heron’s Head Eco Center in San Francisco.
Today’s Goals:
Content: Understand how engineering design can reduce negative environmental impacts
Pedagogical: Review “ABC-CBV” science planning framework
NGSS Three Dimensional Focus: Integrate personal relevance into NGSS content strands
Our day started off, braving the cold and wind, with a game modeling the carbon cycle and the effects that humans can have on that.
Next, we went inside to learn about the importance of the Eco Center’s wastewater treatment system.
After this, we went back outside to explore the various rainwater catching systems that are employed at the Eco Center. Here, the team also spent some time learning about special adaptations that plants in the California climate need to survive.
Later, we headed back inside to design our own drought resistant and native plants.
To round out the morning, we spent some time examining the effects that an increase of carbon dioxide in an area can have on the temperature.
After a lunch break, we spent time planning a short NGSS aligned unit with grade level teams. Following this planning time, the whole group came together to discuss how to most effectively be a leader in implementing the NGSS at our school sites.
