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This website features work from the completion of Phase 1 of the SCALES Project.

We are currently seeking partnerships for Phase 2.

Content Knowledge

  • Written Assignments

    Each student will be responsible for two short papers on the material from the two units not included in his/her presentation. For example, if a student makes a presentation on metallurgy, the two papers will be on glass and rubber; if the presentation is on rubber processing, the papers will be on metallurgy and glass.

    Read more: Written Assignments

  • Group Presentations

    Students will be assigned to choose one material represented by each of the three case study groups: glass, metal, or rubber. Each group will research one aspect of the chosen material and make a group presentation at the end of the corresponding unit.

    Read more: Group Presentations

  • Labs

    A list of labs and their associated directions for the course Exploring Sea, Space & Earth: Fundamentals of Engineering Design

    Read more: Labs

  • Technical Reports

    Both of these reports should be well-structured, with introductions, body and conclusions. 

    1. Technical report 1 (PDF): This TR will detail the data obtained from testing the motors. Highlight the pros/cons of the motor/prop combination and present your data for thrust, etc.
    2. Technical report 2: This TR will detail your data collected in the Charles River Basin and Boston Harbor areas.
    Read more: Technical Reports

  • Oral Presentation

    Your team will make a presentation to the class on your design ideas and how you plan to construct your vehicle. This presentation should be made in Powerpoint (MAC/Windows) or Keynote (MAC OS) and a PDF should be printed and posted to the course Web site. Each team member should present some aspect of the design.

    Read more: Oral Presentation

  • CI Reports

    Both of these reports should be well-structured, with introductions, body and conclusions. 

    • Review of a current (major) engineering challenge and why it’s important to society today. Stories taken from current news and events, and popular magazines (Popular Science, Science, Nature, Scientific American, New Scientist, Time, US News and World Reports, etc) related to major engineering challenges facing society today. 
    • Ethics position paper (PDF). This position paper will convey your personal opinion relating to the ethical dilemma presented in an assigned reading. You will not be graded on your opinion, but how you convince the reader that your opinion is valid and should be considered. This should be approximately 2 pages
    Read more: CI Reports

  • Lab Notebook Review

    Each class member is required to keep an up-to-date design notebook throughout the term. It is a good design practice to carefully document the history of your work. Also, notebooks are required in professional practice.

    Read more: Lab Notebook Review

  • Exam 2

    Exam questions for the course Ecology II: Engineering for Sustainability

    Read more: Exam 2

  • Exam 1

    Exam questions for the course Ecology II: Engineering for Sustainability

    Read more: Exam 1

  • Problem Set 6: Resource Allocation

    The objective of this problem is to allocate agricultural water to maximize profits, subject to environmental constraints.

    Read more: Problem Set 6: Resource Allocation

Notice something that doesn’t seem right? Want to make a suggestion or provide feedback about how something is classified? 
Please reach out to esi [at] mit.edu and include SCALES Website in the subject of your email.
Feedback and any actions taken with regards to the feedback, will be shared as they are addressed.