The Research Program

Two types of research are sponsored by the Center. The first is scientific research within the field that can demonstrate reasonable transfer opportunities and, in addition, can be understood, is relevant to and can be utilized by teachers and administrators in grades K-12. The second is curricular research designed to develop innovative materials and methods for incorporating an examination of transportation and environmental issues in grades K-12.

I. Completed Research Projects

A. Science Projects

The following science project has been completed, a report prepared and presented on 2 June 2001, and published on the Center’s web site:

Student Conducted Studies of Catalytic Electrode Surfaces for Fuel Cell Applications. Principal Investigator: Dr. Brian Niece, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Assumption College. Completed June 2001.

The following science project has been completed, a report prepared for presentation at the Research Conference held 8 June 2002 and for publication on the Center’s web site:

Student Conducted Studies of MTBE Oxidation in Ionic Liquids. Principal Investigator: Dr. Brian Niece, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Assumption College

The following science project was reclassified as a research project with ongoing testing of waterways and data being sent into the State. A report was prepared for presentation at the Research Conference held 8 June 2002 and for publication on the Center’s web site:

Sub-Watershed Hydrologic Study of the Worcester Area. Principal Investigator: Dr. Mauri S. Pelto, Department of Environmental Science, Nichols College, Dudley, Massachusetts.

The following science project has been completed, a report prepared for presentation at the Research Conference held 31 May 2003 and for publication on the Center's web site:

Studying Wildlife Corridors at Broad Meadow Brook. Principal Investigator: Gail Howe, Conservation coordinator, Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Massachusetts Audubon Society.

A. Curricular Projects

The following curricular projects have been completed, reports prepared and presented on 2 June 2001, and have been or are in preparation for publication on the Center’s web site:

Highways and Herps

Principal Investigator: Gail Howe, Conservation Coordinator, Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary, Massachusetts Audubon Society, MA

Gaia Worcester

Principal Investigator: Drew Cummings, Grade 6 History Teacher, Bancroft School, MA

Trails, Roads, Rivers and Rails

Principal Investigator: Jerry Aissis, Biology Teacher, Central Falls High School, RI

Testing of Road-runoff Rainwater for Heavy Metals and Petroleum
by Schools and Volunteer Groups

Principal Investigator: Ranger Dan Meharg, Community Pollution Prevention Project

Worcester Earn - A - Bike

Principal Investigator: Gregory Root, Worcester Chapter, Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition

The Story Behind the Blackstone

Principal Investigator: Don Lamberto, Science Coordinator, Quinsigamond School, MA

Exploring Our New Neighborhood - Our Community's Growth and Changes

Principal Investigator: Linda Weaver, Grade 3 Teacher, Roosevelt School, MA