| The time and structure for educational programs vary according to the requirements of each school and the time available. For an example see Past Projects.
To disseminate the various scientific projects that we choose, OEDSI creates a documentary and stimulates discussion about the geographical locations, participants of the projects, socioeconomic structures, culture and natural history, ecosystems and environmental issues focused on. This provides a holistic picture of the step-by-step process of project design and implementation and how to integrate that into existing social concepts, facilities, and structures. We try to build an awareness of the considerations that any project must consider locally and how even small scale projects can have a global effect if they are sustainable over the long-term. The chosen projects are compared and contrasted with examples of unsustainable approaches to the same environmental issues and help students to examine and identify chains of choices that lead to an unsustainable outcome versus a sustainable solution.
OEDSI has access to the necessary video, computer and technological equipment to provide the required format and tools for the schools and organizations involved. In the event that a school does not have access to computers, or a computer lab, OEDSI can still run its program.
Technological Services
OEDSI provides the following technological services for live dialogue between students and project participants.
Live Interaction
The initial live interaction occurs through visual and audio instant messaging (IM). Students link on to a web site at the same time that the project participants link on.This takes place in the first session with the aim of introducing the students to the participants and providing visual contact and familiarity for both parties. Discussion is generally focused around what the students learned from the participants’ project, how they intend to integrate the information into their own school project and any other questions they may have. Depending on the age level the questions directed towards the project participants to find out more about who they are can vary in sophistication. For example, a group of 5th grade students asked one of our scientists what his favorite animal is and what he likes to do in his free time. This type of relaxed communication allows the students to familiarize themselves with the participants and create a social connection.
PowerPoint Presentation
An OEDSI officer at the school presents basic scientific concepts of sustainability. The presentation identifies broad ecological concepts such as soil structure, food chains, water cycles and weather patterns and then focuses on a specific environmental issue addressed by the project being introduced. In providing background information on the project chosen, students can question project participants about specific steps and concepts and begin to apply the information to their immediate environments in order to come up with ideas for their own school projects. The presentation is designed to weave together a broad abstract of scientific concepts, a scientific project addressing one key sustainability issue and pinpoint specific local application.
Interactive Web Conferencing
Web conferencing takes place between the project participants and the students with facilitation by OEDSI. We design an online communication conference that meets the specifications of the project participants in order for them to use as a visual guide with the students. In a virtual conference room students can ask questions, see examples, pictures and diagrams and communicate with project participants both as a group and individually. An OEDSI officer provides assistance in instructing students on how to ask questions, make comments, and interact with the conference facilitators and their classmates simultaneously. Teachers, administrators or scientific entities are not responsible for creating and designing the program but are requested to participate in web-conferencing and live link-ups with students.
Video Documentary
Three videos are produced for each school project:
~ A 10 minute introduction to OEDSI and its officers.
~ A 30 minute video documentary of the project taken at location with the project participants. This will include information and background on the location of the project and the community it is based around, its history, economic environment and scientific component.
~ A short program on how to make documentaries to assist the class to document their own projects.
Information Package
An information packet will be given to the teachers involved before the program starts. This packet contains a glossary of scientific terms, a description of our educational program, a list of activities, a timeline and information that is a beneficial reference for both teachers and students on the scientific project and concept s of sustainability. This enables teachers to decide which materials they will use for their classes. The information packet is designed to enhance the program and student involvement and keep track of students’ progress during the program . A survey is also included for the students and teachers so that OEDSI can assess information retention and adapt the program to better meet the needs and requirements of each classroom.
Discussion
An OEDSI officer creates a discussion around the project and initiates ideas
for projects that the students can manage and implement in their local
environment that are sustainable and synergistic in approach (see school projects).
School Projects
After the initial part of the program that introduces the project, its participants and sustainable concepts, the students work with OEDSI and teachers to create their own project on their school grounds or in their local community. The students conduct research, document current conditions and establish a goal and time frame with which to implement a sustainable solution to a particular environmental issue. The project, designed by the students and teachers, should be place specific, sustainable and take into consideration the opinions of any party that will be affected by the results or has involvement with the project at any stage.
OEDSI acts as both mentor and facilitator to ensure that the students can meet their objectives and retain a sustainable long-term outcome. Guidance for comprehensive documentation is provided so that each stage of the project and the individuals involved are represented.
OEDSI contacts other schools to link up with and create communications webs that will provide students with the opportunity to present their projects to one another using through presentations, open dialogue, video, and internet connections. Throughout the project an OEDSI officer will be available for any questions, guidance, or assistance.
As well as creating dialogue and connection between schools we require that the project is provided in a community outreach effort. An example is making a school play, creating a science fair that focuses on sustainability and the project being worked on or creating a community outreach day where the students can give a presentation.
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