Driving Question:

How can we use multimedia literary expression to tell the story of conservation of biodiversity in Brazil?

Module Summary:

The teacher-led module “Narrative of Life” explores how storytelling can be used to communicate the importance of biodiversity conservation in Brazil. Guided by the driving question, how can we use multimedia literary pieces to tell the story of conservation of biodiversity in Brazil, students investigate environmental issues through creative expression, combining research with artistic interpretation to raise awareness about human impact on nature.

Throughout the module, students participate in a range of field experiences, workshops, and expert-led sessions that deepen their understanding of conservation and storytelling. Learners engage with professionals such as an agroforestry project leader, take part in poetry and vocal workshops, and join a boat expedition with a marine bioacoustics expert. A key highlight of the module is a week spent in the Amazon, where students gain firsthand insight into biodiversity and conservation efforts, supported by local organizations and experts.

In their final projects, students create immersive multimedia literary pieces that communicate environmental narratives in creative ways. These projects include performances, writing, and audiovisual storytelling that aim to inspire awareness and action. For example, students present works such as a song that personifies nature to highlight the impact of human exploitation, using artistic expression to convey complex environmental issues. Through this interdisciplinary approach, the module emphasizes the power of storytelling in driving meaningful change and fostering a deeper connection to the natural world.

Driving Question:

How can I contribute to solving a problem in my local community?

Project Summary:

The Service Project “Emergency Box” focuses on improving emergency preparedness in the Township of Georgian Bay, Ontario, where many residents live far from hospitals and first responders. Through this project, Maya G. examines how remote communities face increased risks during medical emergencies due to long response times and limited access to life-saving equipment.

In this project, Maya G. investigates how the lack of nearby emergency services can lead to higher risks of fatalities and long-term health complications. Her proposed solution is the installation of community emergency boxes containing critical first-aid equipment such as an AED (defibrillator), EpiPens, naloxone for drug overdoses, snake bite kits, and other medical supplies. Maya has already taken concrete steps toward implementing this solution by writing and presenting a motion to the Township of Georgian Bay council, which has passed its first round of approval and is currently under review by staff.

A key component of the project is ensuring that these emergency boxes are strategically placed and accessible, with the first proposed location near Gibson Lake, where both road-access and water-access cottages could reach the equipment within minutes. Maya also emphasizes the importance of public awareness and education, explaining that community members must know where the boxes are located and how to use the equipment. Her long-term goal is to expand the initiative to more lakes across the township and potentially throughout Ontario, improving emergency response in remote communities.

Getting into the field of robotics with little hardware knowledge was both challenging and exciting. I learned that I can find ways to implement existing knowledge into a new field and that there’s always room to lead my own learning experience if I work hard enough. My biggest takeaway is always approaching any new project with a positive, open, and flexible mindset.

-Class of 2023 Student Bido H.

Driving Question: How can I design and build a robot – inspired by Expo 2020 and the Mobility Pavilion – that performs an action to increase our quality of life?

Our project is an autonomous conservational technology system that aims to provide efficiency in agriculture. NutriBot goes around agricultural fields and senses its surrounding environment to measure moisture levels and the type of nutrients in the soil. It then uses this data to evaluate the minimum quantities of water and nutrients necessary to keep the soil healthy and sprays them in the targeted blocks. Implementing this system will make farmers no longer have to apply water or fertilizers across entire fields. NutriBot can conserve up to 40% of water already wasted in agriculture alongside nutrients due to human error and inefficiency.

Driving Question: How can I raise awareness and facilitate alternative solutions to food waste and loss in Mexico?

Project Overview: For her service project, CM2 Student Isa Luna Moro set out to facilitate a circular economy system to reduce food waste inside Queretaro’s food industry. To do so, she worked with local restaurant Moser to improve their sustainability practices and contribute to the circular economy through techniques such as composting and recycling.

Project Reflection: ““My service learning project was a journey of exploration, creativity, and boldness. During this project I decided to go out of my comfort zone and take one of my passions to the next level. I was able to improve my leadership, communication and self-confidence.”