Bridging the Sciences: An interdisciplinary STEM project on stormwater pollution and heavy metal recovery

As urban environments face increasing pressure from pollution, there is a growing need for educational frameworks that connect classroom theory with real-world environmental hazards. This presentation introduces an interdisciplinary STEM project designed for students to explore the mitigation of heavy metal pollution (specifically, Copper, Cu) in urban stormwater runoff through the lenses of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The educational activity is structured into three experimental modules. In the Physics module, students explore the electrical conductivity of "polluted" water and the principles of electromagnetic induction. By experimenting with Eddy Currents, learners discover how non-ferrous metals can be physically separated from waste streams. The Chemistry module focuses on qualitative analysis, using reagents to identify metal ions and demonstrating precipitation as a method of chemical purification. Finally, the Biology module introduces the concept of phytoremediation. Students monitor the bioaccumulation of Copper in aquatic plants, observing how nature-based solutions can restore ecosystem health.This project-based learning (PBL) approach encourages students to think as "Earth System Scientists," understanding that environmental solutions require a synergy of multiple disciplines. By transitioning from physical separation to biological filtration, students not only learn fundamental scientific laws but also engage with the circular economy by viewing "pollution" as a recoverable resource. We will discuss the pedagogical impact of this project, student engagement levels, and how such interdisciplinary activities can be scaled for different educational levels to promote environmental stewardship. We expect students to demonstrate a significant increase in scientific literacy by utilising real-time monitoring methods (Physics) and laboratory techniques (Chemistry). The phytoremediation experiments are expected to demonstrate that specific plants can reduce copper concentrations by up to 70-80% within two weeks, providing both visual and quantifiable evidence of water purification.