GRDSN 125: West meets East: Creative Solutions for a Sustainable Planet

Scenario:

You are working for a client that is promoting international sustainability by creating a 3 dimensional object, i.e., book, kiosk model, etc., that visually communicates solutions for lifestyle changes based on a comparison of ecological footprints between students at Spokane Falls Community College, Spokane, WA, and Skagit Valley College, Mt. Vernon, WA. Students will focus on the following areas of consumption: mobility, housing and food.

You will have a conversational interview with students who live on the west side of the state of Washington and have a different environmental situation from yours. Email addresses of these students will be given to you and all communication will be done electronically. Compare results from the Ecological Footprint Quiz designed by Redefining Progress (http://www.rprogress.org/index.shtml) and come up with solutions of actions you can take to change our lifestyles and move toward a more sustainable planet.

After a comparison of Eco Footprint results on both sides of the state, students will propose workable solutions that the audience can apply to their everyday life. From the results students will draw images, both by hand and computer, create copy and use appropriate materials to execute the piece. If it is a book, it must be from eight to twelve pages. You may use any drawing technique that your instructor requires and the piece will include digital imaging.

This is the plan:

  1. Take the Ecological Footprint Quiz (http://myfootprint.org/)
  2. Gather the results of the quiz and prepare for class discussion.
  3. Prepare for email by taking your photograph, review Guideline and Questions and, once typed, spell check.
  4. Contact students from Skagit Valley College to compare results from the Ecological Footprint Quiz and brainstorm solutions for lifestyle changes and ask for a photograph of the student partner.
  5. Select one of the three areas of consumption: mobility, housing and food, that you will be using in your book/object.
  6. Draw thumbnails of your idea.
  7. Scan drawings and add imaging and type to your book/object.
  8. Critique book/object with the Skagit Valley students.
  9. Print and complete assembly of the book/object.
  10. Book/object exchange.
  11. Present book/object at home college.

Dates:

  • April 3-9, Project given and email names distributed
  • April 10-17, contact and interview Skagit Valley students
  • May 8, critique ready for Skagit Valley students
  • May 13, critique of Skagit Valley students' work
  • May 20, book/object due and ready for sending

Instructions: Select a score for each outcome below based on the following scale:

0= Failed to meet any expectations.
1= Applied minimal effort.
2= Performed to a level required.		 3= Applied extra effort to meet expectations.
4= Exceeded all expectations.

Performance Objectives: (Things you will be able to learn...)
and Criteria: (This is how well it has to be done...)

  1. Meet deadlines by delivering the drawings on the stated date. 0 4
  2. Connect with your team member at Skagit Valley College. 0 1 2 3 4
  3. Draw using required techniques. 0 1 2 3 4
  4. Represent objects accurately. 0 1 2 3 4
  5. Follow directions. 0 1 2 3 4
  6. Show up to class on time. 0 1 2 3 4
  7. Draw so that someone can tell what your idea represents. 0 1 2 3 4
  8. Keep your work clean. 0 1 2 3 4
  9. Book/object addresses lifestyle changes for a sustainable planet. 0 1 2 3 4
  10. Critique with Skagit Valley College students . 0 1 2 3 4
  11. Book/object is aesthetically pleasing. 0 1 2 3 4



    Syllabus for GRDSN 1    25