THE 2021 PROJECT
For the 2020-2021 Academic Year, Jersey City Public School Student Teams will be charged with becoming ambassadors for the environment. As such, they will identify problems and find solutions that will impact the health and long term viability of our ecosystems on a local, national or global level.
THE GOAL
Student teams become “environmental ambassadors” to tackle specific issues.
WHO CAN ENTER THE CHALLENGE?
Students in the Jersey City public schools are eligible to form teams to create a local solution to combat climate change.
TIMELINE
This year’s challenge will be designed to meet the current distanced learning standards.
The deadline for team registration was Friday, January 8, 2021.
Culminating events will take place in May 2021. More details to follow.
For grade bands
K-2
Students will learn about what it means to be an ambassador for the environment and design a mural that will educate the public about an environmental issue.
For grade bands
3-5, 6-8, and 9-12
Students will create and present a solution to an environmental challenge they’ve identified.
INNOVATIVE INTEGRATION
Using Science Standards to
Address Current Challenges
Project will be aligned with New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Science (NJSLS-S) and curriculum that addresses current community challenges; students gain real-world experience in inquiry-based learning.
Students learn through experiential projects that are inclusive of diverse types of learners, with a variety of problem solving activities.
Team Competition develops
Collaboration and Team Building Skills
Real competition with prizes for Best Design, Most Innovative Solution, Best Community Outreach and Best Presentation reward different skillsets.
Collaborative solutions projects – across schools, neighborhoods, cities & counties encouraged.
Students allowed to work with PTA’s to crowdsource and encourage parent and community involvement.
Meaningful
Community Engagement
Engagement with residents, businesses, city council officials (and/or their staff) and other stakeholders is required to develop proposals. This may include meetings, interviews, surveys, focus groups, events, etc.
Students Gain Understanding of
Government and Real Green Jobs
Student teams engage with sustainability “experts” to collect and verify data to develop their projects. Experts can speak to students in person or via Skype to answer questions.
Challenge Website with additional resources to assist with development of project. Serves as a green career resource year after year.
FAQs
How do I register for the challenge?
Student teams should register by January 8th, 2021, here: https://forms.gle/2opJBXUnmp3KUy2g7
Who Can Enter The Challenge?
Students in the Jersey City public schools are eligible to form teams to create a local climate action solution to combat climate change.
How many students can be part of a team?
A team can be a classroom or an entire grade level.
What is the criteria for the challenge?
See more information for the various grade bands, above.
How can my team connect with a sustainability expert?
Sustainability experts will be available to meet with student teams starting in the late fall, 2020. To connect with an expert, go to our Resources page.
My team is interested in a hands-on learning experience for this challenge. Where can I find additional resources?
A number of resources are available for this year’s challenge. Please find them on our Resources page.