In June 2021, Bishop Connolly students had the unique opportunity to take part in a detailed civil engineering design project with area professionals and educators. Developed in collaboration with professors from UMass Dartmouth’s College of Engineering, the project paired BCHS students with working professionals and college-level educators as they created proposals to transform land on Bishop Connolly’s campus into a community gathering place for prayer, learning and relaxation.

Throughout the weeklong project, student design teams met with civil engineering and sustainability professionals from UMass Dartmouth and private companies to research and create a detailed plan and budget for their engineering proposals. From soil sample testing and land assessment to long-term planning strategies, students presented their concept boards to BCHS faculty and project mentors, who judged each team’s work.

MAJOR PROJECT REQUIREMENTS INCLUDED:
> A proposed solution to the surface water pooling issue at the front of the school
> The creation of a prayer space surrounding the statue of our Blessed Mother on campus
> The design of garden features to attract insects and wildlife

Coordinated by Ellen Russell, BCHS faculty member and director of STEM education, the project culminated with the presentation of trophies to the top three teams for best surface water remediation plan, prayer space design, and garden design. The school-wide project transformed the campus into a living laboratory, allowing students to explore the real-world career applications of Connolly’s STEM curriculum.