The Arsenic Arresters is a team of sixth graders from our after school STEM enrichment program. Our process that would ensure the jobs were done and deadlines were met first began in choosing the right members for this particular team. We looked for members interested in protecting the environment and the health of citizens. We also looked for students who would follow a schedule, complete assignments on time, and be organized. It was important to come to the meetings, to be friendly, and to listen to each other’s ideas. We wanted kind and respectful students on the team. A long term project would mean many months of work, so students who were dedicated and who did not give up easily would be able to complete the Mission Folder.
We met from 4:00-5:00 on Monday and Tuesday each week, worked during the summer on field work, and spent many weekends focused on this project. We kept a 3-ring binder with hard copies of our assignment book and objectives listed. The school computer network had a place for all the electronic files for our team, including an assignment sheet, timeline, goals, experiments, dates, and next steps.
All members were involved in brainstorming an idea for our project, thinking of possible experts who could help, finding solutions that were testable and realistic, and supporting one another. It took all of us working together to complete the assignments. We supported the goals of the team and compromised when necessary. We learned to listen to other opinions, and respect the ideas and talents of each member. Although we worked to become one united voice as the Arsenic Arresters, we each brought unique talents to the team. George is excellent in the areas of public speaking, organization, and writing, as well as having the ability to speak three languages. Since our community has a large Hispanic population and German Mennonite population, it was useful to have a team member who could communicate well with others. He also kept track of the assignment book and made sure deadlines were met. Hudson is talented in research and interpretation, as well as having a sharp memory for details. During public presentations, he took the lead during open question and answer sessions. Brett is a talented artist, microbiologist, and creative thinker. His skills helped the team prepare graphic illustrations of living organisms, format data tables and graphs, and lead the investigation in comparing microscopic plants in playa wetlands.
We met from 4:00-5:00 on Monday and Tuesday each week, worked during the summer on field work, and spent many weekends focused on this project. We kept a 3-ring binder with hard copies of our assignment book and objectives listed. The school computer network had a place for all the electronic files for our team, including an assignment sheet, timeline, goals, experiments, dates, and next steps.
All members were involved in brainstorming an idea for our project, thinking of possible experts who could help, finding solutions that were testable and realistic, and supporting one another. It took all of us working together to complete the assignments. We supported the goals of the team and compromised when necessary. We learned to listen to other opinions, and respect the ideas and talents of each member. Although we worked to become one united voice as the Arsenic Arresters, we each brought unique talents to the team. George is excellent in the areas of public speaking, organization, and writing, as well as having the ability to speak three languages. Since our community has a large Hispanic population and German Mennonite population, it was useful to have a team member who could communicate well with others. He also kept track of the assignment book and made sure deadlines were met. Hudson is talented in research and interpretation, as well as having a sharp memory for details. During public presentations, he took the lead during open question and answer sessions. Brett is a talented artist, microbiologist, and creative thinker. His skills helped the team prepare graphic illustrations of living organisms, format data tables and graphs, and lead the investigation in comparing microscopic plants in playa wetlands.
