story144.ID

Submitted by:

Stephen E. Maloney
Associate Vice President for D.P. and I.S.
Center for Data Processing
Boise State University
1910 University Dr.
Boise, ID 83725 USA

v: (208) 385-1155
f: (208) 385-4232
e: DUSMALON@idbsu.idbsu.edu

Categories:

Education, K12; Research, government; Health care/health services

Keywords:

Innovative or improved ways of doing things; Local commitment to network-based activities; Leverage of public funding; Volunteer contributions of time and energy; Partnerships between public and private sector

Supporting Documentation (contact author for more information):

Software; Documentation; Other (Lesson Plan for use by teachers)

Story Site (if other than location listed above):

Junior and Senior high schools in Idaho

The Story:

 

 

Project SITE
Students Investigating Today’s EnvironmentStudents Investigating Today’s Environment (SITE) is a water quality program linking Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) scientists with sixth through twelfth grade students to analyze water samples collected by students front the Snake River and its tributaries. The environmental data collected by teachers and their students is input to a computer-based data repository. These data can be accessed and compared with data collected by other schools in the inter-mountain region.

 

INEL scientists assist these teachers and their student scientists with methods for correct scientific analysis and reporting skills. SITE provides challenge and excitement for all involved.

 

SITE exists today because the foundation for the project is based on organizations working together to form a partnership for students. Many individuals and organizations have contributed time, effort, money, and equipment donations to make this project successful. These include Department of Energy and its contractors (EG&G and WINCO Energy Research especially), INEL, Digital Equipment Corp., Discovery Center of Idaho, Eastern Idaho Technical College, International Business Machines, Idaho Health and Welfare – Division of Environmental Quality, Idaho Fish and Game Commission, Idaho Water Institute, Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Council, Boise State University, Idaho State University, University of Idaho, University of New York, State Department of Education, AND Idaho’s students and teachers participating in the project. The actual and in-kind contributions of these individuals and organizations total over $100,000.

 

The INTERNET is essential to the SITE Project. Students and teachers use the network to communicate with scientists at INEL, to update the water quality data base, and to access servers such as geographic servers to determine information such as longitude, latitude, and altitude of locations on the Snake river. Idaho higher education organizations supporting this project such as Boise State University, provide network access through dial-up services, including 800 numbers for students located beyond local calling areas in the state. Eastern Idaho Technical College hosts the water quality data base.

 

This project exemplifies network uses, K12 education, education/government/private enterprise cooperation and successful science. Student interest is enhanced, they learn by doing and interacting with practicing scientists, become interested in science, and learn scientific methods and practices. There are now over 25 schools, just over 30 teachers, and more than 1000 students participation in this project. Networking has made this project a winning proposition for all individuals and organizations which cooperate to make it a success.

 

For additional information contact:

 

Bob Beckwith
Project Director
SITE Project
Centennial High School
4600 McMillan
Meridian, ID 83642

v: (208) 939-1404
f: (208) 939-1420
e: reb@site.eitc.edu