Ripple Effect workshops
Workshops prepare teachers to teach the design process, while deepening their knowledge of science content. The Ripple Effect year begins with an intense 2-day kickoff in the summer, long before school starts, and continues throughout the school year with monthly half day workshops. During these workshops:
Teachers visit local wetlands, bayous, pump stations, and other locations in order to develop understanding of the landscape and water infrastructure.
With the aid of design educators, participants isolate and explore discrete design phases to strengthen their grasp of the design process.
Teachers work together on developing visual unit plans.
Teachers and design educators analyze classroom video and student work to develop best practices.
Guest lecturers provide additional context, with presentations on climate change, land formation in the delta, and other key topics.