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About RiverQuest General Information Overview and HistoryAwardsBoard of DirectorsAdvisory CommitteeKarl Thomas, |
 Bayer USA Foundation Sponsors New Programs inGreen Science, Sustainability and our Rivers
Bayer USA Foundation recently awarded RiverQuest $200,000 over the next three years in support of two new RiverQuest programs:
1) Green Science & Alternative Energy Excursion provides a 2 hr academic standards-based field study for 6th-12th grade students about greening of buildings and transportation. Students will learn about their carbon “footprint,” discuss hybrid engines and see examples of green construction in Downtown Pittsburgh from the deck of our Explorer, the worlds first green passenger vessel. Students will then spend time in modules on alternative energy including the workings of hydrogen fuel cells, chemical conversion of spent cooking oil to biofuel, and the possibilities for usage of photovoltaic (solar) energy collectors.
2) Environment, Energy and Economy (EEE) will be a 4.5-hour experiential science program using new systems analysis and design-based curriculum about sustainability and green design on Explorer for teachers and students in grades 6-12. Fundamental principles will be reviewed in environmental science including ecosystems (watersheds and freshwater) and human impact on earth’s climate and atmosphere to raise environmental consciousness and develop a spirit of stewardship.
An initial introduction to our course and assessment of state of knowledge of students will be conducted at the schools via resource kits and audio-visual aids. A classroom teacher led preparatory lesson including a comparison of Explorer to our older vessel, Discovery, will reinforce understanding of key concepts in greening and sustainability. A student led inquiry into identification of environmental challenges present in their home and/or school area and a student prepared audiovisual presentation of their solutions for alternate reclamation or pollution prevention designs will be submitted to RiverQuest website.
On board the Explorer, three separate interactive educational “stations,” on environment and economy (watershed delineation, wetlands function and Pittsburgh environment and socioeconomic history), human impact on natural environment (ecological footprint, origins of climate change and hybrid diesel-electric) and alternative energy sources and energy conservation technology (biofuels, solar energy) will be highlighted. Onboard Instructors will facilitate group conclusion sessions and students will share the challenge they worked on at school. A second assessment will monitor how the goals of heightened awareness and environmental stewardship can effectively be accomplished via personalized river-based education.
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