Institute of Ecological Design

mission

Educate youth about the theory and practical applications of flow resources, ecosystem services, and ecological design by teaching them practical skills that they can implement at school and in their homes. 

Process

Staff will work with school Science classes for an intensive, two week learning module with a focus on ‘hands on’ education. The first week will be spent primarily in the classroom. Knowledge themes will be introduced, and students will be engaged in the design process with these themes as guides. Skills will be introduced as they are relevant to the design process. Placement of elements, site analysis and ‘real world application’ will be stressed. Students will complete, and ‘share out’, designs created in small groups. A group design will be created and phases articulated.

The second week will focus on ‘hands on’ skills and project implementation. Students will work with staff to install design elements throughout the school. Staff will work with the school district ahead of time to articulate needs and gain approval for design element placement. Projects may include rain water catchment tanks, grey water systems, and rain gardens. If needed and desired, technical support may also be provided for an existing school garden or a new garden installation if no garden exists.

All skills and concepts will be designed to meet current content standards and incorporate into the common core curriculum. 

APPLIED KNOWLEDGE

CONTEXT

Students will be introduced to hydrology, watershed ecology, soil ecology/mineral cycling and the effects of urbanization on watershed health. Students will also be introduced to water saving elements such as Roof Water Catchment Systems, Gray Water Systems, Rain gardens and Xeriscaping.

ANALYSIS

Students will be guided through water audits, ecological site analysis and onsite resource use analysis. The overarching ‘design goal’ will be reducing water use and increasing efficiency.

DESIGN

Students will be guided through a classical design process with a focus on improving watershed health through the design and placement of water retention elements. Students will complete design work individually and in small groups. All designs will be based on the school campus and combined into a final design, which will then be implemented on campus.