Project 3.1 Flow Proposal

  • Due Nov 6, 2016 by 11:59pm
  • Points 20
  • Submitting a text entry box or a file upload

This project allows you to explore a subject related to sustainable infrastructure in detail. I hope that the project is more than just an academic exercise and I will work with you to make sure this is the case.

What is Flow?

"the state of being completely involved in an activity for its own sake" - Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

What are the characteristics of Flow? 

  • Clear goals
  • Concentrated and focused
  • A loss of self consciousness 
  • Distorted sense of time 
  • Clear and immediate feedback
  • Perfect equilibrium of skill and challenge 
  • Sense of personal control 
  • Activity becomes intrinsically rewarding

Learn more about flow check out this video (this book is also one of my favorites).

Flow Project

Proposal

You must propose a final project that meets the characteristics of Flow. This will look very different for each person. You should select a topic related to sustainable infrastructure, but it does not have to be something we have covered in class. Also, select a target audience and format for sharing your findings. You may choose to produce a paper, presentation, movie, song, speech, podcast or any other creative form as long as you justify its appropriateness.

In your proposal (1 page maximum) explain what you would like learn more about and why. Try to address each characteristic of Flow in your proposal, or what you plan to do, to meet this criteria. Below, I changed the flow characteristics to a question format to help you answer them. In general, 1-2 sentences is enough for how to meet a characteristic. Make sure to include a deliverables section - What will you turn in to me at the end of the semester. How will I know you have meet the flow criteria. And who is you audience.

Part of flow is distorted sense of time. So, I hope you spend more then the minimum required time on the project. But, you must at least spend 20 hours towards your project/final deliverable. Include in your proposal an estimate of how your are going to spend your time (1 page maximum).  

Your final project will be evaluated based on the evaluation criteria described in the grading matrix Links to an external site. below and on effort (e.g. hours spent).

Flow Characteristics in Question Format: 

  • What are your goals for the project? What do you hope to accomplish? 
  • How will you stay concentrated and focused? What will be your plan to get the project done?
  • How will your project benefit others? 
  • When do you plan to spend time working on this project? How will you balance your time? What might you have to give up to in order to accomplish this project? 
  • How will you know you are doing a good job? Who/what will give you feedback prior to the final submittal? 
  • Why is this the perfect equilibrium of skill and challenge for you?
  • Are there outside influences affecting your ability to finish the project? How can you control for these? 
  • Why is this rewarding to you? 

Example Topics

Example topics are provided below. Certainly, there are many other excellent topics. Please pick a topic that is relevant and exciting to you.

  • Develop a game that teaches kids about systems thinking, biomimicry, or LCA.
  • Develop and analyze an energy model for a home.
  • Redesign one of my lectures to better educate future students. 
  • Create a video about a fundamental sustainability principle.
  • Study the role of structural engineers in sustainable design.
  • Evaluate DIY solar energy systems or geothermal systems or green roofs for residential or commercial building applications.
  • Create a sustainability plan for a company you have/will work for.
  • Study for and take the Envision or LEED exam and blog about the experience.
  • Organize sustainable construction ideas for a developing country. 

Please submit the following electronically here:

  • Proposal (1 page maximum) should include: Your flow project idea and how you plan to meet each characteristic of Flow and a description of your final deliverable (drawings, word files, ppt., etc...).
  • An estimate of how you plan to spend your time (1 page maximum). 

After you submit the proposal, I will provide feedback within one week. Of course, I’m also happy to discuss your ideas at any time during the semester.

Assessment 

Points

Format and References

Vision of Final Product

Schedule

< 75

Does not follow the instructions provided.

Initial references also are missing or do not represent the knowledge base.

Difficult to predict and its format is not appropriate based on the project goal.

Does not indicate how and when the student’s time will be used to complete the project (not clear).

76-85

Correct, but not complete.

Initial references provide an adequate knowledge base but are not presented in a consistent format.

Clear but some issues/concerns have not been considered and the format is incorrect based on the project goal.

An indication of how and when the student’s time will be used to complete the project, but it will be difficult to accomplish during this semester (not realistic).

86-95

Correct and complete.

Initial references provide an adequate knowledge base and are presented in a consistent format.

Effective because issues/concerns have been analyzed and the format is appropriate.

An indication of how and when the student’s time will be used to successfully complete the project within this semester.

96-100

Comprehensive, correct and provides new information. 

Preliminary references provide a comprehensive knowledge base.

Effective and challenging because issues/concerns have been analyzed and the format has the potential to be of exceptional quality.

Clear indication of how and when the student’s time will be used to complete the project within this semester.
1478494740 11/06/2016 11:59pm