Sol y Agua project: Promoting information science in middle school classrooms for a socially and environmentally responsible world

Abstract

The Sol y Agua project will augment the learning environment of middle school students with the creation of a computer game based on regional issues explored through information overload, virtual simulations, and real world data [1]. The game has a theme of water sustainability and stewardship with an emphasis on information analysis, negotiation, and decision-making. The game will also immerse students in themes concerning biodiversity, sustainability, and the human impact on the environment. The various activities will allow student to make informed decisions regarding water sources, maintenance, environmental factors, and sustainability, among others. The students will learn the impact of humans on the environment through data analysis and run experiments in a virtual laboratory with real data. Data visualization will allow students to interpret data in new, fun, and meaningful ways. The game has an emphasis in promoting the demographic of the Southwest United States and minorities towards developing careers in STEM, where they are largely underrepresented. The game activities have been developed using the Texas Essentials of Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) Standards [2].