Environmental and Spatial Technology Program
Using technology to solve everyday problems.
The Environmental and Spatial Technologies Lab at Southwood High School is a highly innovative, community project-based program which parallels precepts of the Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) Program. The development of such a lab was made possible by a consortium dedicated to the placement of cutting-edge technology in Caddo Parish classrooms. The preceding alliance raised the $115,000 necessary for the laboratory and teacher/student professional development package. Funding for the lab was achieved in Spring 2003 with the actual installation taking place in August, 2003.
EAST is a highly innovative, community project-based program established in Greenbrier, Arkansas, and adopted by over 150 schools in seven states. The programs utilizes state of the art technology, such as computer aided design (CAD), global positioning systems (GPS), geographical information systems (GIS), database management, visualization, presentation and desktop software, web design, and spatial analysis in completing their projects. The program emphasizes the application of technology and 21st century basic skills to solve authentic problems that are community service oriented. The program produces superior results in students and successfully integrates teamwork, independent problem-solving, community service and technology skills.
This method has proven effective for learning content, process skills, and people skills simultaneously. All interested, regularly attending students are eligible, including special education students. The classes are coordinated by “facilitators”, rather than “teachers”, who are trained to allow students to learn through problem-solving and peer mentoring. In 2006, EAST doubled to accommodate over 300 students per year at Southwood High School.
The Southwood EAST program has won the following awards at the National EAST Conferences:
2004 Award of Excellence
2005 Superior Performance
2006 Superior Performance
2007 First Place in Solid Edge Software 3-D Model
2008 First Place in Solid Edge Software 3-D Model
2009 First Place in Solid Edge Software 3-D Model
2009 Finalist (1 of 7 top schools) for Founders' Award--Highest Honor at the Convention
For more information, please visit the EAST website at http://www.eastproject.org/.
