Page 13 - Everyday Kitsap 2016

EDUCATION

Kitsap’s Cool Kids

K-12 students use science to solve problems in our community

hat do local teachers
have in common with
Kitsap County Public
WWorks educators? Both
are hard at work examining how the
new Next Generati on Science Standards
change the science classroom. These
exciti ng state standards not only ask
students to learn about science and
engineering, but also do and talk about
science and engineering to solve real-
world problems.
How fi tti ng! In Public Works, we
work daily to solve and communicate
real-world science, engineering, and
environmental problems related to
our sewer, stormwater and solid waste
services. And with the help of local
teachers, these “puzzling Public Works
problems” are becoming opportuniti es
for Kitsap County students to stretch
their science and engineering muscles!
The Public Works SEEK (Sharing students. This spring, 35 classrooms available once students reach 4th grade,
Environmental Educati on Knowledge) in the Central Kitsap School District giving them a fi rst-hand look at all
Program brings the most interesti ng were asked by the Stormwater Division stages of the sewage treatment process.
and accessible of these puzzles into to engineer a “salmon release tool” The Kitsap County Public Works
K-12 classrooms at no charge. Through that would allow students to safely SEEK program aims to help even our
lessons, tours, and projects, students deliver young salmon into a stream. In youngest citi zens understand and shape
explore how science and engineering additi on, students at Ridgetop Middle our community through science and
skills can be used to solve problems all School in Silverdale designed a small- engineering. With the help of districts,
around them. scale stormwater miti gati on plan schools, and teachers, we trust these
Did you know that even K-2 students that complemented their rain garden Next Generati on Science Standards
will soon be expected to perform basic investi gati on project. will help build the next generati on
engineering practi ces? The Solid Waste In lessons delivered by the Sewer of engaged Kitsap citi zens and Public
Division recently challenged 2nd graders Uti lity Division educator, students Works problem-solvers.
in Silverdale to develop a soluti on to connect their real-world experiences
a real-world problem in a new lesson with plumbing to the care and In additi on to sharing environmental
called “Engineering a Soluti on to Litt er.” functi oning of this important uti lity. knowledge in the classrooms and
Aft er cleaning up their playground, Students share what goes down on tours, SEEK educators parti cipate
these eager young engineers at Emerald their drains and discover the roles of in annual events including Kitsap
Heights Elementary put their minds diff erent components – pipes, pump Recycles Day, Kitsap Water Festi val,
and hands to work building and testi ng stati ons, and treatment plants. Students and Nati onal Public Works Week. For
a bett er litt erbag that can help anyone investi gate the questi on, “Should I fl ush more informati on, or to request a tour
keep our community clean. that?” by testi ng predicti ons on which or lesson, visit www.KitsapGov.com/
Stormwater challenges also present products will or will not break down
engineering opportuniti es for older in water. Treatment plant tours are pw/ed.htm.

KitsapGov.com | Spring 2016 | pg 13