Experiment with sustainability report
• This assignment is an opportunity for students to explore ideas to improve social and ecological well-being. In particular, this assignment asks students to:
1) Do something extraordinary that enhances social and/or ecological well-being, and
2) Reflect on their experience.
o The experiment may be something the student does independently from others, or something they do for others.
o The experiment should typically last two weeks.
o The best experiments often are those where students leave their comfort zone, and try something that is new to them.
The report should include the following:
1. Student name/number
2. Introduction: 2 points
A brief introductory paragraph or two, describing:
1) Your personal reasons for choosing this particular experiment (include why it captured your imagination/ interest, how it takes you out of your comfort zone). (1)
2) How this experiment is an instance of improved sustainability (what problem does it address). (1)
3. Experiences during experiment, and why they were noteworthy: 4 points
1) Describe four or more experiences/events that happened during the experiment (e.g., reactions from others, unexpected challenges or joys, interesting stories) (2)
2) Explain why they were noteworthy (Number each one from 1 to 4). (2)
4. Insights about self and/or others, and implications going forward: 4 points
1) Describe four (or more) insights that you gained about yourself and/or others thanks to having completed the experiment (e.g., what did you learn about yourself/others, or re-confirm about yourself/others) (2)
2) Identify any implications for your future (e.g., explain why you are glad/not glad that you choose the particular experiment that you did, whether it will change your personal behavior/lifestyle going forward, any effect on your professional aspirations, how it makes you look differently at the larger world you live in, and so on). (Number each one from 1 to 4.) (2)
5. Appendix. Attach a copy of four separate “journal reflection entries” that you have written before and/or during the experiment. At the top of each entry include the date it was written and a quick reference to the context (e.g., “after choosing the experiment,” or “after the first day”). Each entry should go beyond mere description of an event, and also have some insight or reflection as to the “meaning” of the event.
• For each item above, unclear description will lead to a deduction of marks (25% to 50%).
