Introduction an innovative method to enhance a senior level course in water sustainability

An innovative project of water sustainability related was assigned to the senior students of State College of the Sate University of New York.The assignment was related to the present concern of water sustainability.According to a recent review by International Circle of Blue, GlobeScan surveys, fresh water sustainability, management and conservation is the world's top environmental problem greater than air pollution and even climate change.Along with United States General Accounting Office (GPA) states 36 states in US will face the water shortage under normal conditions by 2013.In proportion to this fact that water is a limited source and it is essential to all human life, students were asked to choose a topic associated to water sustainability.Total numbers of 26 students were divided to five groups.Progress report from each group was due in two weeks followed by the completion of report and presentation within a month.Selected titles by students and accepted by faculty were as follows: Toilet Water Efficiency, Water Efficient Household Fixtures, Water Efficiency Irrigation, Waste Water Treatment from Beginning to Environmentally Friendly and Grey Water Systems.A peer review evaluation score sheet was distributed among students.Students were asked to rank each group from outstanding through inadequate.Each student was requested to evaluate all groups beside their own group.The categories used in evaluation were: Specification and Sustainability , Concept and Selected Details, Design process and Good Dynamics, Organization and Clarity of Presentation, Participation within the Group, Evaluation and Suggestion for Future Improvements and Overall rate of project.Both students and faculty agreed on choosing the most successful group and the top category among the groups.This concludes that based on students and faculty evaluation this project could advance the course and improve the student's knowledge toward the effect of water sustainability.