Apply to the School of Engineering

Water Quality Research and Design

Water pollution is a worldwide problem. Human and industrial activities alter the chemical composition of water, resulting in the abnormal presence or concentration of species that unbalance the ecosystem. In NYC and other large metropolis, green ponds caused by algae blooms and contaminated waters that impact the beauty and health of parks and the urban environment. Students will participate in a research project to collect information on water quality and New York City parks. Teams of students will design and engineering, water treatment techniques using domestic bio-wastes, to explore their capacity to reduce the concentration of pollutants and other chemical species. Results from both projects will be presented at the end of the session and share with student researchers as the project continues over several years.

This class is open to 10th and 11th graders.

Instructors: Abel Navarro, Adjunct Faculty, and Cooper Union Undergraduate Teaching Assistants

Prerequisites: none

Teaching method: Online, Real time, Synchronous. The instructor and teaching assistants will lead students through daily scheduled lectures, discussions and practice sessions. Field work will be conducted in a park near the student.

Materials: A CU@Home kit will be provided to students living in the United States only.

Technology Requirements:

Class: Computer with camera and microphone to participate in online video class (Zoom) and project work at the same time.

Project work: Computer with WiFi to use web-based software and file management system (Microsoft Office and Teams). Camera to collect images and video of your project and upload to presentation and portfolio.

Credits: 0.00

Course Code: STEM214

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.