The topic is called, “The Global Impact Project”.  The project will be cross curricular in nature.  Here is a short description that the students will see. 

 

We have decided to accept proposals to help improve a school within the boundaries of South America by supplying them with renewable resources that would improve their existing learning conditions.  You will need to first submit a permit (requiring specific information), allowing us access to the worksite, as well as to provide the local jurisdiction with a description of your proposal.  You will need to keep in mind the following:  what is the greatest need of the area, what the device will power (why you chose what you did), materials to be used, what the costs will be, & the time involved to get it up and running.   Journal notes of daily activities will be mandatory.   Continued maintenance will also be a concern for the locals, so you will need to supply a training manual, in both English & in their native language, with installation and troubleshooting methods if the device would ever fail.  Once permit is approved, the research and fabrication of your design can start.  Upon completion, evaluation & reflections will be completed both individually and collectively.