A wetland is a biome that is characterized by being flooded seasonally or year-round. Wetlands provide many important features such as drainage/flood protection and water quality improvement. Unfortunately, wetlands are threatened by development and climate change, to better protect them it is important to have accurate mathematical models. Therefore, we can more accurately restore damaged wetlands and identify others that need protection. One key component that was missing from our model is the permeability of a sand barrier on the border of our sample wetland, Old Woman’s Creek located in Huron, Ohio.
The student handout will be given to all students working on the design challenge. It gives a brief recap of the story, it helps the students identify what they are attempting to achieve, and it recaps the design process.
This Facilitator Guide provides the instructor additional information on how to run the design challenge with alternatives for materials and test setups as well as information to help make the design challenge a good educational experience. In addition there is a PowerPoint.
The Telling the Story Video conveys the societal impact of the student’s research that is the basis for the design challenge and will set the problem-solving context for students.
The Design Challenge Video leads students through the design process. It indicates materials available, states what the criteria are for success and any constraints. It also gives a second ‘level’ of the design challenge that allows ‘early completers’ to move on to a slightly more difficult challenge.