Front row left to right: Larry Gerrior (OVUHS), Mikie Cioffredi (OVUHS), Laurie Wilson (RHS), Bianca McKeen (RMS).
Back row left to right: Erica Wallstrom (RHS), Rachel Valcour (BMS), Andrew Reid (MRUHS), Mike Stannard (RHS), Ann Marie Mahar (RHS).
Not pictured: Fieh Chan (STC)
Back row left to right: Erica Wallstrom (RHS), Rachel Valcour (BMS), Andrew Reid (MRUHS), Mike Stannard (RHS), Ann Marie Mahar (RHS).
Not pictured: Fieh Chan (STC)
How it all started...
An exciting professional development opportunity was initiated after soliciting feedback from the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) teachers of Rutland County. Overwhelming teachers called to develop truly cooperative STEM projects that would bridge schools and grade levels. As a result a consortium was formed for future cooperation and resource sharing that would enhance all students’ learning and support schools’ Common Core State Standards & Next Generation State Standards preparedness levels. This culminated in a STEM Summit professional development opportunity on September 13, 2013 hosted by the Stafford Technical Center.
Our Mission:
The Rutland County STEM Consortium will work towards continual development and implementation of a regional STEM experience for students focused on the Otter Creek watershed. This investigation will explore changes to the watershed that occurs over time and space due to both human and natural influences. This ongoing, collaborative process will apply best practices including project and problem-based Learning, student driven inquiry, the engineering design process, and community involvement.
The project:
The Ripple Effect: Investigating the Otter Creek watershed.
Scope of data collection:
Reported by all:
Additional High School data:
- Initial site assessment
- Flow rate
- Temperature (air and water)
- pH
Additional High School data:
- Dissolved oxygen
- Nitrates
- Phosphates
The Engineering Design Process (EDP)
Consortium members agreed to incorporate the EDP as a common thread. The expectation is that through data analysis and studying trends in the consortium's data, students will identify potential issues and propose solutions.