Press Release Update November 10, 2012

First, the children participate in a field trip to the Everglades named: “A day in the life of a scientist” (DILOS™). DILOS™ is designed to spark curiosity, in a setting outside the classroom, which will inspire children to become scientists. At 26^th in STEM education ranking in the world, must encourage our children towards the sciences. Their future and the future of the U.S. are dependent on improving this ranking.

Second, the students become members of the AquaSquad™. The AquaSquad™ is formed by students, teachers, scientists, and concerned volunteers from all over the world. The AquaSquad™ is a life time membership with continuing water education and project participation. Members have full support from the STW™ STEM Education staff, are invited to all events, participate in research projects, and enjoy all the benefits offered.
 
 
The two step approach offers hands on schooling and practical web based curriculum with practical projects and research. Young people have wide-open imaginations that when stimulated with a field of science sparks enthusiasm and creativity which are the key to all future discoveries. The continued participation in field trips and implementation of projects in school and the community has multiple benefits. Participants experience the power of making a difference and at the same time learn about science. Water science is emphasized in all projects along with technology, engineering, and math.

The community benefits in many instances, when an entire class of students adopts a waterway and periodically visits the area to monitor environmental quality, and clean up if necessary. The students get to put in practice the knowledge learned with the AquaSquad™ membership and the experience from the DILOS™ field trip.
 

DILOS™ provides a fun way to motivate children to participate in science programs.

Experiential learning conducted outdoors breaks the routine of classroom-based learning. An outing to a wetland, river, or lake to collect and analyze water samples is fun, interesting, and instructive. During the trip, students are given a presentation on the water cycle, the scientific method, and facts about water contamination. This opens students’ minds to why we should protect this valuable resource. Following the scientific method, the children first make observations about their surroundings. They note and record the condition of plants and trees, the presence of minnows on the shore, look for birds, animals, and notice lack or abundance. They also look for possible ways pollution and contaminants may be entering the water. They then form a hypothesis about the conditions of the water and the environment.

The field trip includes a hands-on experimental component whereby students use field laboratory equipment to test for parameters such as pH, temperature, turbidity, and conductivity. The results of the tests are then compared with published standards along with previous observations, and the hypothesis tested. Students’ data and conclusions are recorded and logged into the website to compare with follow-up field trips. Future participants will be able to compare data and assess whether the environmental conditions are improving or deteriorating.

DILOS™ program includes the following:

• DILOS™ offers project-based instruction and personal support to each participant.
• Field trip limit is maintained between 20 and 30 participants.
• Hands-on learning.
• Intrinsically interesting curriculum and tasks, studied in informal settings.
• Build a team of young people and adults.
• Give specific skills training and information needed to help your group move a project ahead.
• Involve older students or program veterans (including college students) for help.
• Promote leadership and model behavior.
• Set clear responsibilities and expectations.
• Present a lesson called “A day in the life of a scientist” that includes a field trip to the Florida Everglades.
• The program is divided into 3 levels, 1st to 4th, 5th to 8th, 9th to 12th grades.
• Each level will meet twice per year.
• Final video for the school and individual participation certificate.
• Exchange logos on web page with link.
• Recognition of participation on the STW™ website and membership in the AquaSquad™.