Project Description
Worcester has been experiencing an increase in cyanobacteria blooms in recent years. To counteract this, the Worcester Cyanobacteria Monitoring Collaborative (WCMC) has been releasing informational material to increase knowledge about this issue. Our team worked with the WCMC to create STEM learning modules that teach the youth different ways to identify cyanobacteria and measures they can take to prevent its growth. In addition to interviewing teachers, Scout leaders, and WCMC volunteers, we ran a pilot test with the Worcester Cub Scouts to develop modules that the WCMC can use internally or distribute to other organizations.
Project Sponsor
![](https://wp.wpi.edu/wcpc/files/2022/12/CoW-image.png)
Established in 2017, the Worcester Cyanobacteria Monitoring Collaborative (WCMC) is a volunteer group of community scientists working to monitor the levels of cyanobacteria in Worcester’s lakes and ponds while also assessing the risk that these levels may pose to public health.
Student Researchers
![](https://i2.wp.com/wp.wpi.edu/wcpc/files/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-12-16-165702-1.png?ssl=1&resize=627%2C627)
![](https://i1.wp.com/wp.wpi.edu/wcpc/files/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-12-16-170148.png?ssl=1&resize=747%2C747)
![](https://i2.wp.com/wp.wpi.edu/wcpc/files/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-12-16-170119-1024x771.png?ssl=1&resize=785%2C785)
![](https://i0.wp.com/wp.wpi.edu/wcpc/files/2022/10/Screenshot-2022-12-16-165719-1.png?ssl=1&resize=632%2C632)
Eddie Flanagan is a Mechanical Engineering major in Army ROTC. He enjoys working out, hiking, and rugby.
Deborah Diniz is an Electrical and Computer Engineering major, who loves to read, travel, and play volleyball
Ishayu Das is a Computer Science major who loves to workout, play video games and create animations as a hobby
John Demedeiros is an Electrical and Computer Engineering major. He enjoys video games and Legos.
Project Goal and Objectives
The goal of our project was to create STEM learning modules to increase environmental literacy in Worcester by incorporating the methods and procedures of the Worcester Cyanobacteria Monitoring Collaborative (WCMC).
Project Objectives:
- Review the protocols used by the WCMC: cataloging potential educational lessons and resources available for the modules.
- Identify the target audience.
- Design modules that will utilize WCMC protocols.
- Pilot a test module with our target audience.