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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.

  • Discussion Questions: Mastering the Machine 3

    See [Smillie], pp. 44-66. Please answer the following questions (maximum 2 single-spaced pages), using examples from the book where applicable.

    1. According to the reading, what are some of the major reasons why NGOs and the Third Sector developed such an important role in what we call 'international development'?
    2. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of NGO organizational structure? Use some examples from the reading.
    3. What is meant by 'civil society'? In what ways might the concepts described by this term influenced the development of D-Lab philosophy?
    Read more: Discussion Questions: Mastering the Machine 3
  • Current Events

    Review both the national and international media to find a story that affects your D-Lab project country. Some sectors that might be of interest include: the environment, health and sanitation, agriculture, energy, education, humanitarian disaster, politics, economics and information technology. Each person on your D-Lab country team should select a different topic. Write a 2-page summary of the story making sure to comment on its implications for the nation, your D-Lab trip or another affected group. Make sure to properly cite all your sources.

    Read more: Current Events
  • Discussion Questions: Mastering the Machine 2

    Please answer the following questions (maximum 2 single-spaced pages), using examples from the book where applicable.

    1. Do small farms have a place in the future of agriculture? The world economy? Food security? If so, how?
    2. How do the lessons learned from the Turkana rainwater harvesting project contrast with the actions taken during the green revolution?
    3. Why is there so much focus on post-harvest technology, and value-added production?
    Read more: Discussion Questions: Mastering the Machine 2
  • Small is Beautiful Reaction Piece

    Write a one-page reaction piece to the following reading. What did you find interesting? What insights did you gain? Do you agree or disagree with the author? Did you gain any new perspectives? 

    Read more: Small is Beautiful Reaction Piece
  • Stakeholder Analysis Writeup

    Smith, Amy, and Shawn Frayne. "Fuel from the Fields: A Case Study of Sugarcane Charcoal Technology in Petite Anse, Haiti." D-Lab Case Study. (PDF – 1.4MB)

    Blank stakeholder analysis form (PDF)

    Read more: Stakeholder Analysis Writeup
  • Discussion Questions

    Please answer the following questions (maximum 2 single-spaced pages). Make sure to use examples from the reading where applicable.

    1. What 2 major crises did the Brandt Report predict? How accurate were these predictions?
    2. What is the effect of tariffs on raw vs. processed vs. manufactured goods?
    3. On p. 4 the author states: "Never before in history have so many non-technical people exerted so much influence on the advancement, retardation, and movement of technology." Comment on this trend and give an example that illustrates it.
    Read more: Discussion Questions
  • Homework 16 & 17: Sketch 5

    Start working on your idea for this sketch, and bring into class: data, audience, goals, and question.

     

    Finish your sketch

    Read more: Homework 16 & 17: Sketch 5
  • Homework 15: Map Somerville tree data

    Use Tableau or CartoDB to make a map of the Somerville MA tree data

    Read more: Homework 15: Map Somerville tree data
  • Homework 12 & 13: Sketch 4

    Start working on your idea for this sketch, and bring into class: data, audience AND goals!

    Finish your sketch.

    Read more: Homework 12 & 13: Sketch 4
  • Homework 10 & 11: Sketch 3

    Start working on your idea for this sketch, and bring into class: data, audience AND goals!

    Finish your sketch.

    Read more: Homework 10 & 11: Sketch 3

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.