Probing the Hudson

THE CHALLENGE: The Hudson River estuary is ecologically significant, and over the past 40 years, citizens, government, businesses and non-profit agencies have worked hard to transform the river from a polluted waterway to one suitable for recreation and wildlife. The goal of New York State is to improve the water quality further so that by 2009 the entire river is safe for swimming. Are the Hudson River water quality parameters improving at great enough rates to reach this goal?

ABOUT THE PROJECT: Over four weeks, students work in small teams to develop a river analysis plan, conduct field research, investigate data collected by scientists in previous years and publish a report of their findings.

INTEGRATING NYS LEARNING STANDARDS & KEY IDEAS: This project integrates Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) Standards.

• MST Standard 1: Analysis, Inquiry and Design – students use scientific inquiry to pose questions, seek answers and develop solutions.

• MST Standard 2: Information Systems – students access, generate, process and transfer information using appropriate technologies.

• MST Standard 3: Mathematics – students become mathematically confident by applying mathematics in real-world settings.

• MST Standard 7: Interdisciplinary Problem-Solving – students apply mathematics, science and technology to address real-life problems.

BEYOND NYS STANDARDS: The project goes beyond New York State standards to get at the heart of how technology is actually being used to address significant issues in the real world. In conjunction with environmental engineers, students design probes to monitor physical, biological and chemical parameters on the river in real time.

BUSINESS PARTNERS & EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES: This project is designed, taught and evaluated in conjunction with experts from the Beacon Institute Center for Advanced Environmental Technology (CAET), Hudson Basin River Watch and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

IT TOOLS FOR PROJECT PLANNING & COMPLETION: Assignments are contained in a “project briefcase” (digital portfolios of all project materials) and are accessible to students and parents at all times. These portfolios include project calendars, important dates and deadlines, readings, assessment rubrics, student “contracts” for behavior and performance, and timelines for completion. The New Tech High Learning System^TM and a 1:1 student-to laptop computer ratio allows students to track their progress, complete assignments and review evaluations in real time.

REAL-WORLD ASSESSMENT: The final project assessments include student presentations of findings and recommendations to a panel of adults, including parents, teachers and experts in environmental science. Students defend their results and answer questions to determine their ability to explain what they know. They are also evaluated on how well they are making progress toward achieving 21st century skills.

REAL-WORLD IMPLICATIONS: Students share their research and recommendations with local decision-makers as part of the public dialogue on the best next steps to improve the Hudson River.