Desirability- Viability- Feasibility

As we move into the problem-solving phase of Challenge 20/20, we took some time to review the topics we have studied to date and how we can use "design thinking" to create scalable, real world solutions.

We watched Tim Brown's TED Talk on the elements and history of design thinking 

With this in mind, watch Boyan Slat's TED Talk about his approach to the problem of plastic pollution in the Pacific.  

Given the elements of design thinking, please comment below about the desirability, viability, and feasibility of this project.  Where is is successful?  Where does it need improvement, and how can we learn from his example?

Cape Wind: investigating the controversy

Following a two week exploration of the Deepwater Horizon event, we began an investigation on another way of producing energy offshore.  The Cape Wind project is significant because both the project and the debate are taking place not far from the Fay campus.  Last week, we identified the various stakeholders in the debate: environmentalists, business owners, property owners, politicians, special interest groups, commercial fishermen, the Coast Guard, local residents, and those who earn their living in the many businesses connected to tourism.  

Next week, students will continue their research and attempt to answer the question: with all we know about the potential impact on maritime pollution and safety, should the Cape Wind project move forward? 

2013- 2014 Kickoff

Fay's Challenge 20/20 Team met for the first meeting of the school year to explore the global problem of Maritime Safety and Pollution.

We agreed on group standards for participation and sought to answer the question "who's responsible?" when a marine disaster occurs.

Homework for the week is to define Maritime Safety and Pollution and to preview the Deepwater Horizon event for an upcoming activity.

Lollipop Moments

Creating Lollipop Moments

(don't understand the reference?  check out this quick video!)

In the comment section below:

Please choose one of the "ideas" fro the list below and "round it out."  Recall the seed analogy we used- if this idea is the seed please provide the sun and water to make it grow into a fully formed viable idea...  consider things like HOW it would be implemented  WHO it would affect, WHO would run this idea after you leave Fay,  WHERE does the idea create an impact, WHERE would the funding for the idea come from, and so on...

In addition to describing the details of your project, your responses should address:

A) how does this idea DIRECTLY affect the issue (not raise money for someone else's efforts)

B) how does this project evolve over the next 20 years

C) how does this project continue after this initial year

(Hint: think about the Heifer project video "12 Stones"-  you can go re-watch it from our website if you need some inspiration!)

Always come back to the idea:  WHAT do we mean by "education" and WHO do we mean when we say "for all"

Please post your "rounded out" idea on our blog BEFORE NOON on Tuesday)...

Topics for you to consider:

1. Using online education to disseminate information / use Skype sessions to share teaching with areas that do not have teachers

2.  Create and online space (website) to collect ideas from students about how to spread education to all

3. Create lessons (via web or cd) that could be passed out to spread specific information

4.  Figure out how to create necessary school equipment (like chairs and tables) out of readily available material (like cardboard)

5.  Student service trip (similar to the New Mexico or Peru trips of years past) but to a local school

6.  Select a non-governmental organization (NGO) that has similar goals to our group and figure out how we can support/extend their efforts (besides donating money)

**  If you have another idea that you would like to explore, just email Ms. Ashley or myself and get the OK first!

12 STONES

(Please watch the full 22 minute version here: http://vimeo.com/31042623)

In your comments, please reflect on the following while comparing the Native Son video and the Heifer Project Video:

~What was alike and/or different about the two groups profiled? 

~What seemed to be the differences in the factors that kept people included or excluded in the educational process?  

~What were their obstacles to education?  

~Why was (or is one) more successful while the other isn't/ wasn't?

Who is dropping out of school in the United States and why?  How does this video change some of your assumptions about the challenges that face different parts of the U.S. population?

Please add both of your two BIG (and great) ideas in the comment section below.  

Please make sure that they are fully fleshed out ideas that  directly affect our issue of spreading education to all. They should be long lasting (not a one time event or fix) and be "outcome focussed."