Writing Contest Winners 2018-2019
First Place Winner, Grades 3-5
Shreya Jha
Grade 5, Lynch Elementary School, Winchester
Mrs. Laura Barber, Teacher
MWRA: A STEM LABORATORY
"Settle down everyone!" Julia and her class were buzzing with excitement because today was the day they got to decide where they are going to go for their concluding field trip. Julia already had an idea of where she thought would be an educational but interesting field trip. She wanted to go to a place which was related to the topic they were learning in school, STEM. This thought made her wonder. What better place to learn about STEM than the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority?
The thought of the MWRA made her feel nostalgic for the astonishing experience she had last year on the field trip to the Deer Island wastewater treatment plant and learning about the Boston Harbor cleanup. She realized it would be a good time to see her friend Brooklyn at the MWRA. She was really hoping that Brooklyn would be the guide for this year's class again. She had butterflies in her stomach, and she had questions running around in her head. How is STEM used at the MWRA? How was STEM used while cleaning the Boston Harbor? These were the questions would soon to be answered.
As Julia and her class reached the MWRA, they were greeted by Brooklyn. Julia was excited to have an experienced friend as a guide. "Hello again! It is nice to see you here. I have learned that you are studying STEM. Well then, you have come to right place. The S in STEM stands for science. The T in STEM stands for Technology. The E in STEM stands for engineering. Lastly, the M in STEM stands for Mathematics. STEM in the MWRA is like oxygen for a human. This sparked another question for Julia." How is science, technology, math and engineering used in the MWRA?" "That is a very interesting question," Brooklyn replied.
"As a MWRA family we take science very seriously. Before we start, does anyone know the scientific method?" This question even stumped Julia. "Well, the scientific method is just a series of steps that are followed by scientists to learn about something. Already, Julia had another question popping up in her head. "How do you guarantee that the water we drink is clean?" We assure that the water is clean by collecting multiple water samples from our reservoirs and water transmission and distribution systems. Then we test the water samples for the important indicators of water quality and analyze the results against the Environmental Protection Agency standards of drinking water. The Department of Laboratory Services support regular monitoring and special projects throughout the MWRA," replied Brooklyn. "Since we have covered the application of science in the MWRA we will move on to technology."
"One good use of technology is the state of the art monitoring system that the MWRA uses to monitor pH, temperature, conductivity, turbidity, dissolved organic carbon , total organic carbon , nitrate-n , UV 254 , oxidation-reduction potential , monochloramine, free chlorine, total dissolved solids and so on, and so forth. Engineering is the next thing that I will talk to you about."
"The MWRA is a civil engineering marvel. For example, in the year 2000 the 9.5- mile-long outfall tunnel was completed. This tunnel is used to move effluent discharge from the limited water in the Boston Harbor to the down reaching waters of the Massachusetts Bay. The sewer system was built as a two-separate system, north and south systems. The tunnel was the longest single entrance tunnel ever dug in the history of this country. To ensure that the power supply is uninterrupted the MWRA has hydroelectric, solar and wind power systems at its operating facilities. The last thing on my list is Math."
"MWRA uses all the mathematical operations to calculate the size and capacity of each pipe. The engineering formulas used in design, construction and operation of reservoir(s), water transmission and distribution main networks are all based on mathematical concepts. This puts an end to our STEM related discussion." "I would like to thank you all for coming here and learning about how STEM is used in the MWRA. In the future, I hope that you all will pursue a STEM career as well. There are snacks waiting for you in the main hall, help yourself!"
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