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"So much of what happens, happens in small ways." - John Asbury, Someone You Have Seen Before
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead
The goals of this project are: (1) to increase student awareness of aquatic conservation and management activities in Washington State and elsewhere; (2) to facilitate an understanding of the complexity of natural resource management issues; (3) to engage students in a project which is meaningful to themselves and a community; and, (4) to build student capacity to work in groups on real world challenges and solutions.
Research, identify, and contact a person or group of people you feel are making a difference in some aspect of aquatic conservation and management. Keep in mind that this does not necessarily need to be a non-profit organization. Other possibilities include contacting someone conducting research in aquatic conservation, or an environmentally responsible fishing operation.
Form peer groups based on shared interests and then determine ways your group can actually make a positive difference for your chosen conservation or management organization/individual (thus the term MD2). Everyone is required to volunteer at least 10 hours of service or work with their organization or individual. At the end of the quarter, each peer group will make a presentation describing who you volunteered for, how they make a difference, and how you made a difference in helping them. You will present in section and in lecture. Working in groups is strongly encouraged (group size may not exceed 4 students).
Week 2: In section (Mon/Tues): MD² project overview.
Assignment: Research individuals/organizations and identify three you are interested in working with. What is their mission or goal(s) and why did you choose them? Prioritize them in order of preference. Complete by M/T section of Week 3.
Week 3: In section (M/T): Give feedback to the rest of class describing the organizations/individuals you identified and why. Next form peer groups based on shared interests.
Assignment: Contact individuals/organizations.
Week 4: Give feedback on the outcome of contacting your individual/organization of choice. What was their response? What service options are available? Work in groups on MD² project proposal.
Assignment (due W/Th): MD² project proposal (1 per group)
In section (W/Th): MD² PROJECT PROPOSALS DUE
Week 5: In section: Work in groups on MD².
Assignment: Volunteer work.
Week 6: In section (M/T): Work in groups on MD². Discuss volunteer work, begin planning presentation.
Assignment: Volunteer work.
Week 7: In section (M/T): Work in groups on MD². Continue to work on presentation. Assignment: Complete presentation.
Week 8: In section (M/T) : MD² SECTION PRESENTATIONS DUE. Be prepared to give a detailed Power Point presentation of your MD² experience.
Assignment: Create a shorter, more concise version of your MD² section presentation.
Week 9: In lecture: MD² LECTURE PRESENTATIONS DUE (M,W, and F). Be prepared to present the abbreviated version of your MD² presentation.
MD² is worth 11% of class grade, broken down as follows:
Proposal 10%
Self evaluation 15%
Peer evaluation 15%
Section presentation (group grade) (30%)
Lecture presentation (group grade) (30%)
When it comes to your MD² project, the journey is the destination. It’s
about the process and the experience, and this means that a little flexibility
is necessary. The timeline is a suggestion, and is not set in stone (except
for the due dates!). If a great volunteer opportunity presents itself earlier
than scheduled on the above project timeline, go for it! Don’t be afraid
to jump ahead. And if you feel like you are falling behind, or if you’d
just like to discuss your project, don’t hesitate to set up a meeting
with a member of the teaching team.
One per group, DUE W/Th (April 20/21) in Section. Please turn in a 1 page OUTLINE (ex. bulleted or numbered points) that concisely tells us:
1) The organization/individual’s name that you will volunteer with (include website address if one exists);
2) The primary contact name and contact information;
3) The organization/individual’s mission statement and/or primary goals;
4) Justify how the organization/individual is making a positive difference in aquatic conservation and management (be specific);
5) Describe what YOU will be doing to help them or what options are available (provide details please);
6) Explain how this will make a positive difference for the organization/individual.