Margaret Fussell

"Warning, Warning Hazardous Waste Ahead" is the winning interdisciplinary, problem-solving program designed by Fussell. Students in the program will use a simulated hazardous waste spill to explore science concepts and study environmental issues in a different and engaging way. The format of the program will allow students to gain additional science content knowledge as they solve an interdisciplinary, "real-world" problem. Using the pond on the school's property for the simulation, participants will analyze the situation, determine the information needed, test their theories, and evaluate solutions for cleaning up the spill. Objectives for the project include: identifying problems such as the effects of acids on non-living and living materials; and using maps and other geographic representations, tools, and technologies to acquire, process, and report information. They will also demonstrate good data-handling skills, analyze experimental data, evaluate results in light of the initial problem, and communicate an understanding of the scientific area to others. Fussell, who lives in Aiken, hopes the program will help students with their critical and creative thinking skills and increase their scientific abilities.