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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.

Other

There are multiple other approaches to teaching students. If the lesson or the materials do not fit one of the already mentioned categories, the lesson will be marked as other.

  • Assignment 1 The Earth’s Radiation Budget

    The global energy balance is important for Earth's climate. When visible radiation from the Sun reaches the Earth, some of it is reflected or scattered directly back into space as shortwave radiation (the percent reflected is known as albedo) and some of it is absorbed. In the absence of clouds, absorption happens mainly at the surface. The absorbed energy warms the Earth's surface, which, in turn, emits this energy at a longer wavelength (infrared rather than visible light).

    The purpose of this assignment is to get you thinking about the Earth's radiation budget and the sorts of phenomena which may influence that budget. The description of the datasets is taken from a class taught by Schlosser, Pfirman and Ting at Columbia University.

    Read more: Assignment 1 The Earth’s Radiation Budget
  • Paper Two

    Write a paper on one of the topics below. A strong paper will move beyond answering the question to advancing and defending an argument of your own about why the dynamics you discuss unfold as they do.

    Read more: Paper Two
  • Paper One

    Write a 7-page paper on one of the topics below. A strong paper will move beyond answering the question to advancing and defending an argument of your own about why the dynamics you discuss unfold as they do.

    Read more: Paper One
  • Final Exam

    Please answer question 1; and then either question 2 or question 3. This is the same type of format and approach as the mid-term.

    Suggested length: No fewer than 5 pages and no more than 7 pages for each question, double spaced, not triple spaced with wide margins. (Of course if you can do an excellent essay in less than 5 pages, by all means proceed).

    • Each answer is in essence an 'essay' on the topics you have selected. You must draw on the assigned readings.
    • Do not use the same readings as you did in the mid-term, or focus on the same topic.
    • Since you need to demonstrate familiarity with the assigned readings relevant to each question, feel free to draw from materials across the 13 weeks – as needed.
    • Do not use the same assigned readings for both questions. If you find it necessary to draw on the same assignments, use additional references to make up for the 'double duty factor.'
    • Try to use at least 4 different sources in your answer to each question.
    • For general points, please note that you need the author's name; for specific points noted, you need the author plus the relevant page. Please add your reference list at the end of each question.
    Read more: Final Exam
  • Midterm Exam

    The purpose of this mid-term is for you to:

    • Show your grasp of the challenges in this course
    • Demonstrate your understanding of the reading assignments and relationship to the seminar discussions
    • Show understanding of sustainability issues at this point, and on this basis
    • Obtain some feedback from the instructor as relevant
    • It would be useful to outline your answers before actually writing. Since you will demonstrate familiarity with the assigned readings, please feel free to draw from materials across various weeks – as needed.
    Read more: Midterm Exam
  • Global System for Sustainable Development Database

    Submit 10 websites for the Global System for Sustainable Development (GSSD) database via "Submit Site.

    Read more: Global System for Sustainable Development Database
  • Problem Set 7

    Problem set from the course Energy Economics

    Read more: Problem Set 7
  • Problem Set 6

    Problem set from the course Energy Economics.

    Read more: Problem Set 6
  • Problem Set 5

    Problem set from the course Energy Economics.

    Read more: Problem Set 5
  • Problem Set 4

    Problem set for the cousre Energy Economics

    Read more: Problem Set 4

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.