Student Environmental Action Showcase
What?
The PWCS Student Environmental Action Showcase (SEAS) aims to elevate student voices in environmental problem-solving. It emphasizes real-world, place-based contributions to environmental health and stewardship in Prince William County. Through this event, students are recognized as visionary agents of positive change, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental issues and encouraging community engagement as global collaborators.
The event will showcase the innovative work of individual students and groups - clubs and classes, addressing sustainability issues such as waste reduction, energy conservation, water quality improvement, and natural habitat preservation through environmental action, art, and education. This celebration highlights students' efforts, achievements, and habits of mind in environmental action throughout the school year.
When?
Thursday, April 24, 2025, from 5-7:30 p.m.
Where?
Independence Nontraditional School
14550 Aden Rd.
Manassas, Virginia 20112
Who?
Participation is open to all Pre-K-12 students. Elementary and middle school students in PWCS can participate as a class or club via a group project. High school students in PWCS can participate by submitting individual or group projects. These projects can support their pursuit of the Virginia Board of Education’s Seal for Excellence in Science and the Environment.
Community partners can support SEAS by:
- Hosting a table with a hands-on environmental literacy activity.
- Highlighting sustainability-related careers.
- Judging projects.
- Providing in-kind donations or funding for prizes.
- Contact us at [email protected] for more information.
Guidelines
General Project Requirements
All projects must address:
- Issue Identification: What observations helped you identify a local issue?
- Research and Planning: What steps did you take to learn about the issue, existing policies, and how to develop your action plan?
- Action and Documentation: What actions did you take and what were the outcomes?
- Reflection and Sharing: What did you learn, accomplish, and how did you share it?
Eco-Art Project Requirements
Eco-Art projects must include a written or recorded artist’s statement that addresses the general project questions above, as well as the following:
- Artistic Communication: How does your art communicate powerfully?
- Behavioral Change: What behavior change do you hope to inspire?
Presentation Requirements
For class or club entries:
- At least one student must present the project at SEAS.
- A tabletop display board with images, data, and information is recommended (but not required).
The deadline to register projects is Monday, March 24, 2025.
Schedule
Projects should be set up between 3-5 p.m. on the day of the event and removed after the event by 8:30 p.m.
Judging will begin at 5:15 p.m.
The awards ceremony will take place from 7-7:30 p.m. on the day of the event.
Judging Criteria
General Criteria
- Completion of Guidelines: Meet all project requirements.
- Importance of Topic: Highlight environmental impact and urgency.
- Lessons Learned: Reflect on successes, failures, and improvements.
- Project Design and Implementation: Well-structured and effective execution.
- Shared Purpose: Unified goal and mutual understanding by all participants.
- Sustained Impact: Long-term positive outcomes.
Scoring Scale
- 3: Exceptional
- 2: Good
- 1: Acceptable
- 0: Incomplete/Missing
Tips to Stand Out
- Adaptation/Replication: Show potential for the project to be adapted or replicated elsewhere.
- Community Involvement: Engage school and community members.
- Creativity: Innovative approach and execution.
- Degree of Change: Provide measurable impacts and data.
- Ingenuity: Creative use of resources and adaptability.
- Student Leadership: Active student involvement in problem-solving and decision-making.
For more information, contact Melinda Landry at [email protected].