VIVES
Visualizing Infrastructure for Vigorous Environmental Science in Chicago Public Schools
VIVES, Visualizing Infrastructure for Vigorous Environmental Science in Chicago Public Schools, is a collaborative research initiative between UIC, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) classrooms and community partners, supported by the Spencer Foundation from 2026 to 2029.
CPS’s STEM mandate sidelined environmental science; VIVES weaves it back in. The initiative brings Youth Participatory Science into the classroom and uses data visualization to connect students with grassroots environmental-justice work in their own communities. Grounded in the Next Generation Science Standards and adaptable to any classroom, it unites teachers, students and administrators around learning that builds STEM skills and social-justice awareness together, and prepares students for college STEM pathways through hands-on environmental science, civic learning and data visualization.
VIVES is in its early stages.
Team
- Fabio Miranda, College of Engineering, UIC
- Daniel Morales-Doyle, College of Education, UIC
- Kaleb Germinaro, College of Education, UIC
- Alejandra Frausto Aceves, College of Education, UIC
- Michelle Rabkin, Director of Science, Chicago Public Schools