D19 – Stormwater Curricula for Central Massachusetts 5th Graders
Project Description
Stormwater runoff can pick up and carry pollutants over impervious surfaces and get discharged directly into local bodies of water. The goal of this project was to spread awareness on the impacts of stormwater by supporting local fifth grade teachers at Shrewsbury, Holden, Charlton, and Hopkinton by interviewing stakeholders and building off of existing curriculum while complying with the Next Generation Science Standards. A 5th Grade Watershed Unit was developed and will become a viable resource for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition, the Think Blue Campaign, and the fifth grade science teachers at the project schools.
Project Goal and Objectives
The goal of this project was to spread awareness on the impacts of stormwater by supporting local fifth grade teachers with effective lesson plans and curricular resources.
Objective 1. Developed an understanding of current watershed curricula, awareness, and teaching methods used in Holden, Shrewsbury, Charlton, and Hopkinton.
Objective 2. Maximized the benefits of the 2018 Water Education team’s curriculum along with incorporating the Think Blue Massachusetts Campaign.
Objective 3. Created a fifth grade curriculum with the help of outside resources
Objective 4. Shared valuable resources with teachers.
Student Team
Brendan Chipman- Civil Engineering
Louis Doherty- Management Engineering
Connor Field- Mechanical Engineering
Daniel Hoag- Civil Engineering
Advisors
Glenn Gaudette
Scott Jiusto
Project Sponsors
Central Massachusetts Regional Stormwater Coalition (CMRSWC)-
Liaison- Kerry Reed
The CMRSWC is a coalition of 30 communities across Central Massachusetts helping communities address stormwater management issues. The communities collaborate to meet the requirements of the Municipal Separate Storm Source Systems (MS4) Permit in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)-
Liaison- Andrea Briggs
The MassDEP is a state environmental agency that is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources. Also, the MassDEP is the liaison between the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the municipalities in Massachusetts.
Project Deliverables
Final Report
Developing Stormwater Curricula for Central Massachusetts Fifth Graders
Final Curriculum