Cross-Strand Integration Projects
Advanced multi-disciplinary science investigations
Integration Focus Areas
Hurricane Preparedness Engineering Challenge
Design and build hurricane-resistant structures while studying weather patterns, materials, and energy transfer
Learning Objectives
- •Analyze hurricane formation and Earth system interactions
- •Test material properties for wind and water resistance
- •Design and iterate structural solutions
Key Activities
- •Research Caribbean hurricane patterns and impacts
- •Test material strength and water resistance
- •Design hurricane-resistant house models
Assessment
Design portfolio, prototype testing results, presentation to community members
Extension Opportunities
- •Interview local emergency management officials
- •Create community preparedness guide
- •Design early warning systems
Coral Reef Restoration Laboratory
Investigate coral bleaching, design restoration solutions, and study ecosystem interactions
Learning Objectives
- •Understand coral-algae symbiotic relationships
- •Investigate chemical properties affecting coral health
- •Design artificial reef structures
Key Activities
- •Study coral biology and symbiosis
- •Test water chemistry effects on coral models
- •Design artificial reef structures
Assessment
Scientific report, prototype design, ecosystem model, expert presentation
Extension Opportunities
- •Partner with local marine conservation groups
- •Create public awareness campaign
- •Design underwater monitoring systems
Caribbean Space Agriculture Mission
Design sustainable food systems for space missions using Caribbean crops and solar energy
Learning Objectives
- •Understand plant growth requirements and photosynthesis
- •Analyze solar energy patterns and efficiency
- •Design closed-loop agricultural systems
Key Activities
- •Research space agriculture challenges
- •Test Caribbean crop growth under different light conditions
- •Design solar-powered growing systems
Assessment
Mission proposal, system design, growth data analysis, presentation
Extension Opportunities
- •Connect with space agencies or universities
- •Design life support systems
- •Create space nutrition plans
Sustainable Island Energy Grid
Design renewable energy systems for Caribbean islands using multiple energy sources
Learning Objectives
- •Analyze renewable energy sources available in Caribbean
- •Understand energy storage and distribution
- •Design integrated energy systems
Key Activities
- •Research Caribbean energy challenges and resources
- •Test efficiency of different renewable sources
- •Design hybrid energy systems
Assessment
System design, efficiency testing, cost-benefit analysis, policy presentation
Extension Opportunities
- •Partner with local utility companies
- •Create energy conservation campaigns
- •Design smart grid technologies
Caribbean Climate Monitoring Network
Build weather monitoring stations and analyze climate patterns using space and Earth data
Learning Objectives
- •Understand climate vs. weather patterns
- •Analyze satellite data and ground observations
- •Design automated monitoring systems
Key Activities
- •Study Caribbean climate patterns and changes
- •Build automated weather monitoring stations
- •Collect and analyze local weather data
Assessment
Data collection system, trend analysis, scientific report, expert presentation
Extension Opportunities
- •Connect with national weather services
- •Create climate change awareness materials
- •Design early warning systems
Caribbean Biodegradable Plastics Laboratory
Create biodegradable plastics from local materials and test their environmental impact
Learning Objectives
- •Understand polymer chemistry and biodegradation
- •Investigate environmental impact of plastics
- •Design sustainable material alternatives
Key Activities
- •Research plastic pollution in Caribbean waters
- •Extract natural polymers from local plants
- •Create biodegradable plastic formulations
Assessment
Material testing results, environmental impact analysis, prototype development
Extension Opportunities
- •Partner with environmental organizations
- •Create business plan for sustainable materials
- •Design waste reduction campaigns
Implementation Guidelines
Project Management
- • Allow 3-6 weeks for complete projects
- • Schedule regular check-ins and milestones
- • Encourage peer collaboration and feedback
- • Document process and iterations
Assessment Strategies
- • Use rubrics for multi-strand evaluation
- • Include self and peer assessments
- • Emphasize process over final product
- • Connect to real-world applications