Discover an engaging, NGSS-aligned activity that introduces students to the science of light pollution and empowers them to develop design solutions to real-world problems. In this presentation, participants will explore light pollution. We will look at the causes and effects of lighting up our night sky. They will then be challenged to use the Engineering Design Process to provide a solution to our current light pollution problem.
Attendees will: 1. Investigate the phenomenon of light pollution and why it matters. 2. Engage in a hands-on activity, constructing and testing mini streetlights in a homemade planetarium. 3. Explore the engineering design process, focusing on optimizing light shields to reduce light pollution while maintaining safety. 4. Learn how skills are used for assessment at Racine Unified School District
Through collaboration and interactive problem-solving, participants will experience the lesson from the student perspective while gaining practical resources to bring this learning to their own classrooms. This activity connects STEAM learning with Earth Science, engineering, and astronomy.
