Two Falls Church City Public Schools (FCCPS) educators recently showcased their groundbreaking STEM sustainability program at a prestigious international conference. Dr. Ray Wu-Rorrer, Technology, Design, Engineering, Energy, and Sustainability Educator at FCCPS, and Dr. Peter Mecca, retired FCCPS educator, presented at the Twenty-first International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability in Miami, Florida from January 23-25, 2025.
The conference, which drew over 400 attendees from 26 countries, provided a global platform for sharing innovative approaches to sustainability education. Drs. Wu-Rorrer and Mecca presented their work on "STEM Environments In Secondary Education Sustainability Programs: A Case Study On The Application Of AgroLab Framework," highlighting FCCPS's successful integration of hands-on, project-based learning experiences in sustainability education.
The FCCPS program encompasses multiple innovative components, including:
Aquatic Education and Vivarium projects
Outdoor Gardens and Living Labs initiatives
Student-led sustainability projects that combine classroom instruction with hands-on experience
Integration with various educational standards and UN Sustainable Development Goals
"The conference provided an invaluable opportunity to share our experiences while learning from educators and researchers worldwide," said Dr. Wu-Rorrer. "We're excited to implement new ideas and best practices that will benefit our Falls Church students."
The educators returned with numerous insights and strategies they plan to incorporate into FCCPS's sustainability curriculum. Their presentation highlighted how the program helps students develop deeper understandings of urban agriculture and environmental science through intentional, hands-on experiences.
The conference participation underscores FCCPS's commitment to innovative STEM education and environmental sustainability. The school system's approach aligns with international best practices while preparing students for future challenges in environmental stewardship.