F.C. Educators Share Innovative STEM Program at International Sustainability Conference

Imagine the most cutting-edge teaching practices today. 

Think: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education combined with hands-on, project-based learning, plus Sustainability Studies. 

In a recent press release, Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) highlighted two FCCPS educators who “recently showcased their groundbreaking STEM sustainability program at a prestigious international conference.” 

Presentations at the Twenty-first International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability in Miami, Florida from January 23-25, featured: Dr. Ray Wu-Rorrer, Technology, Design, Engineering, Energy, and Sustainability Educator at FCCPS, and Dr. Peter Mecca, retired FCCPS educator.

The conference, which drew over 400 attendees from 26 countries, provided a global platform for sharing innovative approaches to sustainability education. 

Drs. Wu-Rorrer and Mecca presented their work on "STEM Environments In Secondary Education Sustainability Programs: A Case Study On The Application Of AgroLab Framework," highlighting FCCPS's successful integration of hands-on, project-based learning experiences in sustainability education.

The FCCPS program encompasses multiple innovative components, including:

• Aquatic Education and Vivarium projects;
• Outdoor Gardens and Living Labs initiatives;
• Student-led sustainability projects that combine classroom instruction with hands-on experience;
• Integration with various educational standards and UN Sustainable Development Goals.

"The conference provided an invaluable opportunity to share our experiences while learning from educators and researchers worldwide," said Dr. Wu-Rorrer. "We're excited to implement new ideas and best practices that will benefit our Falls Church students."

The educators returned with numerous insights and strategies they plan to incorporate into FCCPS's sustainability curriculum. Their presentation highlighted how the program helps students develop deeper understandings of urban agriculture and environmental science through intentional, hands-on experiences.

“The results of the case study found that students in the FCCPS sustainability program are developing deeper understandings of urban agriculture and environmental science each subsequent year through multiple, intentional experiences,” Drs. Wu-Rorrer and Mecca wrote in the sudy’s abstract. “Those experiences combine their classroom instruction with project-based activities in the school’s aquatic education facility, the vivarium (indoor greenhouse) facility, the school gardens (pollinator, native plants, food production), and living labs (water retention area designed ecosystems).” 

The conference participation "underscores FCCPS's commitment to innovative STEM education and environmental sustainability. The school system's approach aligns with international best practices while preparing students for future challenges in environmental stewardship," FCCPS said.

By Christopher Jones