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1. Description of Our Community
Our community is located in Yuanlin City, part of Changhua County in central Taiwan. Yuanlin is an important commercial and residential center with a high population density and rapid urban development. However, due to its relatively low-lying terrain and alluvial plain geography, the city has historically faced flooding risks during typhoons and heavy rainfall events.
In recent years, as extreme weather events have become more frequent due to climate change, the local government has actively promoted urban flood mitigation projects. One of the most significant initiatives is the “Yuanlin Twin Detention Ponds,” which integrates flood control engineering, ecological restoration, and public green space planning. These detention ponds have transformed traditional drainage facilities into multifunctional spaces that serve as environmental education sites and recreational parks for the community.
2. Summary of Our Project
Our project focuses on the “Yuanlin Twin Detention Ponds,” which include:
* Yuanlin Park Detention Pond * Longdeng Park Detention Pond
Through field observations, on-site photography, water level recordings, interviews with experts and residents, and video documentation, we explored how these detention ponds regulate stormwater during heavy rainfall while also supporting wetland ecology and public recreation.
Our key research questions included:
1. What are the engineering principles behind detention pond design? 2. How can flood prevention and ecological sustainability be balanced? 3. How do local residents perceive and participate in maintaining these spaces?
We hope our research increases public awareness of climate adaptation and promotes the development of blue-green infrastructure in other communities.
3. Our Computer and Internet Access
A. Percentage of students using the Internet at home:more than 50%
B. Number of workstations with Internet access in the classroom:more than 6
C. Connection speed used in the classroom:dedicated connection
D. Number of years our classroom has been connected to the Internet:more than 6
4. Problems We Had To Overcome
During the course of this project, we encountered several significant challenges. First, detention ponds involve professional knowledge in hydraulic engineering and hydrological principles, which were difficult for us to fully understand at the beginning. Therefore, we had to review a large amount of reference materials, study related documents, and consult experts and relevant authorities in order to gradually grasp their design concepts and operating mechanisms. Second, arranging interviews was not easy, as it was challenging to coordinate schedules with government officials and local residents. We needed to plan in advance and maintain repeated communication to successfully complete our interviews and data collection. In addition, the condition of the detention ponds differs greatly between normal weather and heavy rainfall periods. To better understand their actual performance, we conducted long-term observations and comparative analyses, which enhanced the authenticity and reliability of our research. Finally, balancing academic responsibilities with competition preparation was also a major challenge. Effective teamwork, proper task distribution, and strong time management skills were essential for us to successfully overcome these difficulties.
5. Our Project Sound Bite
Twin detention ponds are more than just flood control projects — they preserve a sense of security and greenery for the city’s future.
6. How did your activities and research for this CyberFair Project support standards, required coursework and curriculum standards?
This project, centered on the “Yuanlin Twin Detention Ponds,” integrates flood control engineering and urban development issues into interdisciplinary inquiry-based learning, fully aligning with curriculum standards and core competencies. In the field of Natural Sciences, students explore the water cycle, rainfall–runoff principles, and urban ecosystems to understand how detention ponds regulate water volume and maintain ecological balance. In Social Studies, they examine local governance models and public infrastructure planning processes, considering how disaster prevention projects can balance community needs with sustainable development. In Technology Education, students design websites and produce digital media, transforming complex engineering concepts into accessible visual content. In Language Arts, they develop skills in interview writing, report editing, and bilingual translation (Chinese–English), strengthening both communication and global literacy. Overall, the project is grounded in inquiry-based learning, cultivating problem-solving skills, information literacy, and critical thinking while promoting interdisciplinary integration and competency-oriented education.
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