Service-Learning Project Examples

Statistical Analysis of Chloride Levels in Wells in Dunstable

Course: 14.286- Probability & Statistics for Engineers 

Instructor: Oguz Gunes

Partner: Town of Dunstable

 

Project Description:  Statistical Analysis of Chloride Levels in Wells in Dunstable.  Students in the Probability and Statistics course for Engineers collaborated with the City of Dunstable to investigate and analyze levels of chloride in local wells.  The project involved a statistical analysis of chloride levels in wells in the Town of Dunstable, and provided a correlation between the well type and its proximity to highways.  Each student produced a report providing details of their analysis, findings, conclusions and further recommendations. Positive feedback was generated from the UML students indicating that this project was a valuable learning experience.  One student asserted, “It was definitely interesting!”  The project provided the UML professor with an opportunity to cover the correlation topic in detail and teach beyond the classical linear correlation such as power-law and logarithmic curve fitting. The community partner is likely to benefit from the recommendations made by the student reports. The reports indicated a need for more data from both deep and shallow type wells in different times around the year.

Learning objectives met by the S-L project:

• Reinforced student abilities to apply knowledge of math, science & engineering
• Enhanced students’ ability to design experiments, analyze & interpret data
• Increased students’ ability to communicate technical & professional information in written & oral formats

Community objectives met by S-L project:

• Provided investigation of the chloride levels in wells
• Provided baseline information to asses potential health hazards
• Recommendations and research provided information to formulate remedial measure

.