The Water Hub at Emory University

This year I developed and implemented a plan to include teacher field trips into the professional development of the teachers and staff at my school. This idea was developed from my desire to always find the next best thing. As educators, we are always learning and this learning should include but not be limited to STEM as providers of STEM. This outing was an eye opener for us all. We know that water is an non-renewable resource. We all know that we need to do a better job of water conservation. But did we or do we know what the industrial arena is doing to do their part of ensuring that we have clean water? Absolutely not!

Those of us that live in cities big or small, know that industry means jobs; and jobs mean a thriving economy. However industry also brings a need for regulations and environmental responsibility. Organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These companies are required to follow regulatory rules and laws for the safety of those that live around them, but did you know that these same industries are starting to look for ways to be better neighbors. The Water Hub at Emory University in Atlanta, GA is a prime example of what the future holds in regards to the non-renewable resource of water.

At the water hub, water is reclaimed. The technology at the water hub takes sewage water from the county sewer line (yes with the fecal matter, grease, and all the other things we flush and send down a drain) and cleans it with the help of plants and different mediums. This Hub has sustained Emory University and Hospital when the county has lost water. Now this water is not used for drinking. It is not EPA approved for drinking, but it can be used for other essential needs such as air conditioning, flushing of toilets, and plant irrigation.

Futuristic-ally, this hub could be a location within every neighborhood or community that provides a green space and reduces the cost of supplying water to homes and businesses. This experience is one that community planners and  civil engineers need to look into for future developments.

Happy STEMing !!!

Building STEM from Scratch

Every year their are administrators that return to there buildings excited and ready to implement STEM. This excitement is welcomed and the desire to implement STEM for all students is needed, but you have to have a plan. This plan will need to be devised by a team of people that have different positions in the building, but can add to the effectiveness of implementation.  

Your STEM team does not have to be only teachers. This team should include but are not limited to teachers, administrators, counselors, fine arts department,  specialist, custodial, and food service. This team will need to complete a S.W O.T. analysis of the school. This analysis will provide the team with what areas are threats.  From the list of threats, the team will need to devise systematic or smart goals to address 1 or 2 of the threats at a time. It is also wise to look at the schools strengths to see if the strengths can or could address any of the threats.  As the year progresses, it will be up to this team to revisit and analyze the school multiple times a year. As the threats to the success of STEM are reduced; then it is time to have the STEM team to look at training that need to take place for the building. The STEM team will need to be systematic and have smart goals  set to ensure the success of STEM implementation.

Having multiple teams working together, will move the school forward faster. The more people that have buy-in on any capacity is a move in the right direction. Yes, there will need to be multiple teams that have very different responsibilities.  The leadership team is the team of your administrators, counselors, grade chairs, and specialist. This team focuses on the requirements of the state and district. Your Building Effectiveness team: this team provides an overview of the building.  This team is is comprised of teachers, administrators, counselors, fine arts department,  specialist, custodial, and food service. And lastly, the STEM team: this team is comprised of individuals that are willing to go out and learn about STEM and return to the building ready and willing to share and train others. These individuals should also be open to going out to find partners and new resources to support STEM implementation.  With these teams in place and with administrators as part of each one of these teams STEM implementation will be easier. The information from each one of these teams will help the Administration guide each team towards success without over stressing the same individuals in a building. However, we all know that some individuals will serve on multiple teams.

SWOT Analysis Worksheet

If you take time to plan your moves strategically and with a team...STEM is attainable.

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