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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.

  • Research Paper

    A research paper relating to topics discussed in class will be the main assignment focus throughout the course [for people and other animals]. Undergraduate students must write a paper of a minimum of 12 pages, while graduate students have a minimum length of 25 pages.

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  • Term Paper

    The term paper is to answer a question based upon information available in the literature. It is not a research paper, demanding original intellectual contributions. Your paper should answer the question, noting important uncertainties, areas of unavailable knowledge and including a critique of the information in the literature. You should not become an advocate for a policy or position. Please choose a topic that is of interest for a term paper. Do not pick a topic that you are working on or have worked on as a project already – we want you to look into something outside of your main expertise.

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  • Final Exam

    This is a take-home quiz. You may use any class notes, texts, or other reliable sources that you wish, but be sure to cite any sources you use. State all assumptions made.

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  • Take-Home Exam 2

    This is a take-home quiz. You may use any class notes, texts, or other reliable sources that you wish, but be sure to cite any sources you use. State all assumptions made.

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  • Sustainable Energy Take-Home Exam 1

    This is a take-home quiz. You may use any class notes, texts, or other reliable sources that you wish, but be sure to cite any sources you use. State all assumptions made.

    Read more: Sustainable Energy Take-Home Exam 1

  • Short Journal Article

    This second journal article should be a brief (1,500 words or less) compendium of the technical results that YOU specifically have contributed to your group’s work. It’s OK if you worked in pairs with someone, though please try to distinguish what you did if possible

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  • Short Journal Article 1

    For this assignment, you will write a short (1000 words or less) journal-style communication briefly describing your findings on the research portion of this design project.

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  • Final Report

    The purpose of the final report is to document your project so that community partners and/or future students interested in your work can understand it, avoid repetition, and make further progress. As a team, write a 12-15 page report describing your project.

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  • Wiki Design Notebook

    Each week, your team should update your team’s wiki page. If you do a great job documenting everything, it will make your final report much, MUCH easier to write.

    The wiki should include key documents (project specs, etc.), an ever-changing schedule, photos from experiments, scans of best brainstormed ideas, etc. It should also contain a weekly report on your communications with your community partner (you should do everything in your power — regular emails and/or phone calls to stay in touch) so that they are up to date on your progress and can offer feedback.

    Read more: Wiki Design Notebook

  • Wheelchairs and Cook Stoves Assessment

    List the design features of each of the wheelchairs and cook stoves shown below that were driven by each of the ‘bilities that we discussed in class. Refer to the reading assignments for additional information on the materials, techniques and processes used in the manufacture of both wheelchairs and cook stoves. On a separate page, discuss what you think were the major drivers of each design, and what trade-offs were made. 

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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.