Action projects are designed to get small teams of students involved in researching and investigating a local STS or environomental issue. Issues students might investigate are limitless. Some could include:
• waste disposal• pollution problems and control
• recycling efforts and conservation
• zoning of land
• energy issues
• environmental protection
• local endangered wildlife concerns
Action projects begin with the identification of a local problem and result in taking some action on the problem. Below is a six step procedure designed to help students carry out a project.
Schematic of Action Project Process
1). Problem Identification
Students brainstorm possible problems or situations to improve the local community.
2). Fact-finding
Students find out information to understand why the problem exists. They are informed that they can obtain information from: (1) community resources, (2) national and international organizations, (3) opinionnaires, (4) resource people, and (5) independent and group study.
3). Problem selection and Definition
Students choose one or two problems that if solved could make the biggest difference. They must decide if they have the tools and resources available to successfully solve the problem.
4). Brainstorming solutions
Students generate as many solutions to the problem as possible.
5).Evaluating Solutions
Students rank order the effectiveness of their solutions and choose the top 2-3 ideas. They list criteria to help them decide what might be the best solution. Criteria include: Will the solution make a long term difference? Are there adequate resources to help them in acting on their solution.
6). Taking Action
In this step, students decide the different ways to carry out their solution. They decide which strategies will be most effective. They create a time-line and plot a course of action.