Application-Historical GIS Data to Reduce Erosion, United States of America
The purpose of our project was to design an assessment plan to identify stream way erosion using historical GIS-based (Geographic Information System) geophysical data. Storm water runoff from urban areas affects stream quality; as the population increases, so does the amount of impervious surface area and non-point source pollutants. Implementing best management practices for erosion control helps the environment by preventing: sediment pollution, the release of pollutants trapped in the soil, and prioritizes capital expenditures. We have worked on this project for a little over two years.
Falcon Autistic Solar Team (FAST), USA
Our special-needs students with Autism have formed a science club called the Falcon Autistic Solar Team (FAST) at IndependenceHigh School. The focus of our solar club is to travel to other schools and teach other students about how solar energy works. FAST club members use these solar energy demonstrations to peer-tutor other classes on how a solar panel takes radiant energy from the sun and converts it into electricity. During our FAST presentations, each student talks about a solar project they have built. Our projects use photovoltaic cells to power each model by converting direct sunlight into electricity.
S.O.S ! (Saving Our Species) – The American Eel, USA
The American Eel population has been declining for over a decade in our local Hudson River estuary. For this reason, we began increasing eel awareness through hands-on education and research activities in July-2011. The eel is vital to sustaining the foodweb and biodiversity of our river. We have partnered with the New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and have taken their research in new directions by studying eel populations in the fall. We are active participants in NYSDEC’s Citizen Science project and have worked to bring this issue to a larger audience through media and educational assemblies.