Understanding our communities
through data science
The Autonomous Monitoring Program (AMP) combines data science, environmental science, blogging/podcasting, and career development to help students prepare for STEM pathways in industries from data science to environmental engineering.
In this program, students collect water quality data from local bodies of water and use it as a window into the health of the environment in their community, sharing their findings on a blog with data visualization, photography, audio, and other media.
AMP prepares students for success in STEM courses of study and careers by providing collaborative, student-centered activities that align with rewarding careers.
AMP MODULES
AMP includes five modules, a data collection field trip, and CUNY student mentorship:
• Module 1: Climate, Urbanization & Water Quality
• Module 2: Data Collection
• Module 3: Data Analysis & Visualization
• Module 4: Blogging & Podcasting
• Module 5: Career Development (Optional)
• CUNY Student Mentorship (Optional)
SpEd
Accommodations available for learning disabled and neurodivergent and advanced learners.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
• Grades: 6-12
• Format: Summer, after school, elective, internship, or integrated into standard, AP, or PBAT science class
• Duration: 6-20 weeks
• Capacity: 35 students / cohort
• AMP instructor facilitates program at your campus
• Customizable syllabus
• Monitoring system included
MODULE DESCRIPTIONS
Module 1: Climate, Urbanization & Water Quality
Covers major concepts and trends in climate change, urbanization, and water quality, and discusses why they are relevant.
Module 2: Data Collection
Students learn how to collect water quality data in the field using electrochemical probes. Parameters include pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, and temperature.
Module 3: Data Analysis & Visualization
Covers how to perform water quality analysis using Excel data management and visualization functions.
Module 4: Blog Writing & Podcasting
Students learn the basic concepts of communicating their findings in a format that can inform their communities and generate further news coverage.
Module 5: Career Development
Students are provided a mix of career roadmapping, resume and LinkedIn profile development, and email communication.
CUNY Student Mentorship
Students receive college and career mentorship from a trained CUNY student, with activities including 1) Career Roadmapping, 2) Brand Development (resume, LinkedIn, mock interviews), and 3) Skill Building (from counseling to Python), as well as CUNY application assistance.
AMP students learning about Duro’s data collection system
Students kayaking on the Bronx River during an AMP field trip
Compare up to 15 parameters of accurate water quality data
An AMP student blog post