The New Jersey School Boards Association (NJSBA) and Rider University are partnering for a third time to host an Environmental Sustainability Symposium on April 11 on Rider’s campus.
Approximately 180 New Jersey high school students and their teachers will participate in the symposium which will feature STEAM subjects (science, technology, engineering, the arts and math), the environment, business and conservation.
This daylong program brings students together to learn about sustainability and generate ideas about solutions for the 21st century. The STEAM Tank Challenge activity planned for the symposium creates meaningful connections between relevant content and the engineering concepts highlighted in the Next Generation Science Standards framework.
This format aims to develop successful learning opportunities that will encourage students to think about STEAM-based careers and studies as they prepare for college and the workforce.
Outcomes will include:
- Experience thinking about environmental issues as an aspect of STEAM topics.
- Development of plans for a “smart idea” as a concrete business or project focused on solutions to current or anticipated sustainability issues.
- Improvement of public speaking and interview skills through idea presentations and responding to questions from a panel of judges.
- Potential increase in the number of students who apply to college with an interest in STEAM fields, environmental sciences, or sustainability majors.
- Increased consciousness and understanding of the intersection of environmental, economic, and equitable issues as a result of exposure to sustainability topics.
- Motivation to generate their own practical solutions to issues they are passionate about and feel empowered to move forward with these plans in the real world.
Although registration for the event is closed, board members are welcome to attend. For additional information, go here, or email Melissa Greenberg, at Rider University. Phone: (609) 896-5000 ext. 7559.
Information can also be obtained by emailing John Henry, STEAM & sustainable schools specialist at the NJSBA.