On January 18, educators gathered at the Tacoma Professional Development Center to integrate an understanding of NGSS Engineering Practices into their work with students. Focusing on a puddle at the site, facilitators led the group through an Engineering Design Process, which can help students investigate local problems, identify stakeholders and develop solutions as they interact with the schoolyard.
A representative from the Orcas Love Raingardens project joined the group to present on their work and vision: “that all Tacoma Public Schools, students and their families will have access to educational, interactive raingardens, and will have opportunities to learn about the role of Green Infrastructure in protecting orcas.” A representative from Stone Soup Gardens also joined, sharing their story and the work they’re doing with stormwater in Seattle. Both staff members collaborated with participants, to think about ways that students could benefit from a partnership with these awesome community projects.
