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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.

Inquiry-Based Learning

Inquiry-based learning involves the student engaging in authentic, self-directed learning. Often inquiry-based learning is collaborative. Ideally the instructor is the facilitator of the learning experience(s. In more guided inquiry experiences the instructor sets initial parameters and students follow a line of inquiry tied to the parameters.

  • Final Presentations (Ethics in your Life)

    During the last two classes of the term, each student will give a 5–7 minute presentation on their own ethical perspective, as developed over the course of the term.

    The presentation should begin with a clear statement of your question or topic and its ethical significance, and then explain how your thinking on the topic has progressed over the semester.

    We are looking for you not to just state your opinion on a question, but to think about it in some depth and show us how your line of thought has changed over the course of your investigation. If you've changed your mind on the question, great; but if you haven't changed your mind, that's fine too. If you don't have a settled opinion and are still unsure what to think, even better! We just want to hear how you've engaged with alternative points of view on the question and what you've learned from doing so.

    Read more: Final Presentations (Ethics in your Life)

  • WASH Term Project

    The main deliverable for the semester is a term project which includes a project proposal, a final class presentation, and participation in the D-Lab Showcase. Guidance on content, structure, etc. of the term project will be provided in class and on the course site. You can select an individual or a team project. For those working in teams, each team member must identify a specific area for which they are responsible and their specific contribution to the overall team. The term project may be done on the same topic as your WASH Tutorial, or it may be a separate topic.

    Read more: WASH Term Project

  • WASH Tutorial

    Students, individually, or in groups of two or three, will sign up for and give a 15-minute WASH tutorial to the class on a selected water/sanitation/hygiene topic. Your topic can be on any subject within the field of water, sanitation, hygiene, or environment. Some may focus on specific technologies, while others will do demonstrations, skills training, or share success stories of case studies, designs, policies, plans, or engineered solutions.

    Read more: WASH Tutorial

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.