Tamarac+Environmental+Engineering+Research+Group

See call for participation and application form[| here.]



=Tamarac Environmental Engineering Research Group =  ** Applications due Saturday, February 1.** February – April 2014. Meetings at Tamarac Fridays 2:10-3:10 Students in grades 8-10 are invited to join a research group focused on the wastewater treatment plant on the Tamarac campus, learning about the history, biology, chemistry, socioeconomic and legal factors involved in its creation and upkeep. The research group will be led by RPI Environmental Engineering senior Kelley Fischbach, directed by Professor Kim Fortun, working closely with Tamarac’s Building and Grounds Supervisor Neil Haley. Results of the research will be presented to Tamarac’s Board of Education (BOE), to interested classes, and at RPI’s Earth Week Festival in April. Tamarac’s geographical proximity to wetlands has resulted in a responsibility to maintain its own wastewater treatment plant on its school grounds. This type of small plant is incredibly unique and provides for a great learning experience for Tamarac students. Students will spend the semester learning about their on-site wastewater treatment facility, about design alternatives for waster water treatment, about ways treatment facilities can be compromised (through unplanned introduction of particular chemicals, for example), and about laws governing wastewater treatment. Throughout the project, the group will follow breaking news about wastewater treatment. The broad scope of the project will help students understand the multi-faceted approach that must be taken when developing well-engineered solutions. Together, the research group will produce 1) a timeline documenting the development of Tamarac’s waste water facility 2) a photo essay describing components and the process of Tamarac’s wastewater system 3) a photo essay that puts the Tamarac system in broad context, describing how wastewater treatment has developed over time, alternative designs, laws governing wastewater treatment and issues arising through their operation. 4) a short lesson for third grade students, contributing to their understanding of “systems.” Time permitting, students may also produce a film about their research.

No prior knowledge of wastewater treatment is expected. Students will have approximately one hour of homework each week.

There will be an information meeting at Tamarac on Friday, January 24, 2:10-3:10. Research group meetings will begin on Friday, February 14 and will continue through the end of April. Please direct questions to Professor Kim Fortun at fortuk@rpi.edu.