Chandler Wiegand

Weston High School · Science Department · 2026–27

Sustainable Solutions

A hands-on, project-based science course focused on problem solving through the lens of sustainability. Students work together on practical projects and actions that connect to our school and local community, taking real responsibility for environmental stewardship on campus.

3 hrs community action per quarter

Course Overview

The goal of this course is to empower students to lead and execute initiatives that advance sustainability in our school, community, and beyond. In short, this course challenges you to help make Weston High School a model of sustainable action in Connecticut.

Expectations

Active Participation

This is a hands-on course with little teacher-directed instruction. Arrive on time, prepared, and ready to fully engage each day.

Effort & Resilience

Mistakes and setbacks are part of the process, but quitting is not. A growth mindset and persistence are essential.

Independence & Collaboration

You will work both individually and in groups. The teacher is not the “answer key” — you are responsible for finding solutions.

Workplace Mindset

This class mirrors a professional environment. Your “pay” (grade) reflects your attendance, participation, productivity, and project quality. Minimal effort will directly affect your grade.

Evaluation & Grading

1. Daily Participation (~150 pts/quarter)

5 points per day for being present, on time, and engaged.

  • Tardy: –1
  • “Tardy absent”: –3
  • Absent: –5
  • Unprepared, unsafe, off-task, or unauthorized phone use: –1 to –3

Preparation: appropriate clothing and footwear are required; lockers will be provided for backup gear.

Allowance: each quarter begins with 10 “free” points (about two absences). Beyond that, lost points can be earned back through extra community action.

2. Duties (varies; ~5 pts each)

Students rotate through sustainability duties such as:

  • Compost monitoring
  • Bottle/can collection & sorting
  • Recycling collection
  • Grounds maintenance (weeding, watering, mowing, planting, etc.)
  • Other ongoing sustainability tasks

Each duty is worth 5 points if completed responsibly. Points can be lost for missed tasks, poor behavior, or leaving a mess. Make-up opportunities are available at the end of each quarter.

3. Community Action (30+ pts/quarter)

  • 3 hours per quarter of approved community action (10 pts/hour, 30 pts total). Options include volunteering at Lachat Farm, attending a town sustainability meeting, supporting fundraisers, or other approved activities.
  • Transfer Station Recycling: each student works two consecutive Saturdays managing bottle sorting and recycling (20 pts each, 40 pts total, added to the Quarter 2 grade). A training day (10 pts) occurs in September or October.
  • Evidence required: for every activity, submit photos, the date and time of service, and a short reflection to Google Classroom within 3 days. Activities outside this course require signed verification. False submissions are academic integrity violations.
  • Make-ups and extras: additional hours can replace lost points (5 pts/hour). Extra hours must be submitted in hard copy 1–2 weeks before the end of the quarter.

4. Projects (30–50 pts each)

Students complete 1–2 major projects per quarter, either assigned or student-designed. Projects follow a full problem-solving cycle: define the issue, set criteria, brainstorm solutions, execute, evaluate, and improve.

  • Graded jointly by self-evaluation and teacher evaluation.
  • Scope may vary; some projects may replace multiple smaller requirements, such as community action.

5. Reflections & Small Assignments (5–15 pts each)

At times students complete short reflections or assignments about their work and learning.

Daily Routine

  • Rotating duties: regular sustainability tasks in teams of about five students, on a cycle.
  • Project time: dedicated class periods for special projects.

Grading Summary

Daily Participation
~150 pts per quarter
Duties
~5 pts each (total varies)
Community Action
30 pts per quarter, plus the 40 pt transfer station requirement (once per year)
Projects
30–50 pts each, 1–2 per quarter
Reflections & Assignments
5–15 pts each

Examples of Projects

  • Composting signage, videos, or presentations
  • Daffodil fundraiser
  • School-wide recycling initiatives
  • Pollinator garden design and signage
  • Nature trail construction
  • Textile recycling / Swap Shop
  • Greenhouse or hydroponics system development
  • Earth Day events & educational programs
  • Passion projects (student-designed sustainability initiatives)

Bottom line: this is not a passive class. Success requires consistent effort, responsibility, and initiative. If you stay engaged, push yourself, and commit to the mission of sustainability, this course will be a powerful opportunity for growth.

A note on flexibility: Sustainable Solutions is designed to be responsive to the seasons, our campus, and opportunities within the community. Specific projects and activities may evolve throughout the year based on student interests, environmental conditions, available resources, and community needs.

Questions about the course?

Students and families are welcome to reach out any time, or browse classroom resources and materials.

Environmental Science CourseClassroom ResourcesContact Me