Mechanical Drawing Board and CAD Techniques ©2010Unit 3:
Exploring Drafting ApplicationsWebQuest Internet ProjectDiscovering Ecological Engineering Introduction
A local outdoor recreation club has approached City Council to propose a new program. They want the city to build a network of hiking and biking trails through a large local park. Currently, most of the park is closed to the public. Another group, made up of conservationists, bird lovers, and botanists, oppose the new measure. They argue that the trails would threaten wildlife and disrupt the park's fragile ecosystem. In order to better understand the risks and rewards of the proposed project, City Council has contracted with an ecological engineer to study the proposal. Ecological engineering is a relatively new field of study that combines engineering with biology, conservation, and ecology. The consulting ecological engineer will study the proposed trail system to determine how the design will impact the park's ecosystem. The goal is to design a trail network that is in harmony with the natural environment and society's needs. Task
The City Council is putting together a team to assist the ecological engineer. Since ecological engineering combines the disciplines of civil engineering, landscape and urban planning, conservation, and ecology, the team must combine a variety of perspectives. This team will consist of an ornithologist, botanist, and outdoor recreation enthusiast. Each of these individuals will research how the proposed trail system would impact, from his or her point of view, the park and nearby city. The team will work with the ecological engineer to create a plan for the park, with each member representing his or her group's interests. Each group will also work with one ecological engineer. This person's task is to educate the group on ecological engineering. They will also lead the team in synthesizing competing perspectives and finalizing a plan for the park. Process
- In class, form teams and select your roles. You will need at least one person to play each role.
- The ecological engineer of each group will read one case study. Take notes on the role of the ecological engineer. What challenge was he or she facing? What was the proposed solution? How was the solution implemented? In addition to the case study, research ecological engineering online, and take notes on interesting facts about the field.
- Meanwhile, each ornithologist, botanist, and outdoor recreation enthusiast will research his or her chosen role online. What does this individual study, or what does this person care about? How do this person's interests complement the work of the ecological engineer? What questions will he or she ask about the proposed project? What information can he or she provide to the ecological engineer? Write your answers down, as well as any other findings you want to share with the team.
- Meet as a team and share the results of your research. The ecological engineer will start by summarizing the case study to the group. He or she should give the group an overview of the ecological engineer's field. Then, playing your chosen role, argue your point of view on the proposed trail system. What are your concerns? Who on your team agrees, and who has conflicting opinions?
- As a group, finalize a plan for the trail system. Look for points of consensus, and, as much as possible, make design decisions that accommodate the different points of view.
- Prepare a presentation for the City Council. Draw a map of the park and proposed trail system. Create five to seven slides that will accompany the map. Highlight how your group's decisions will protect the interests of all key stakeholders.
- Each ecological engineer will present his or her group's presentation to the class. Then hand in your map, slide presentation, and research notes to your teacher.
Resources
Here is a list of Web resources to help you prepare your report: Ecological Engineer Ornithologist Botanist Outdoor Recreation Enthusiast Evaluation
| | Beginning
1 | Developing
2 | Accomplished
3 | Exemplary
4 | Score | | Research | Information is inaccurate or inadequate | There is evidence of only a little research | Research is thorough and relevant | Research is thorough, and the information selected is detailed and interesting | | Information Conveyed by Plan and Slides | Little relevant content is included | Some relevant content is presented | All content relevant to the topic is included | Content is complete, and additional interesting details are included | | Writing Quality | Most of the writing is not in complete sentences, and most capitalization and punctuation are not correct | Some of the writing is in complete sentences, and some capitalization and punctuation are correct | Most of the writing is in complete sentences, and most capitalization and punctuation are correct | All of the writing is in complete sentences, and proper capitalization and punctuation are used | | Organization of Information | The poster layout and organization are confusing | Information is organized consistently | The poster's information is organized in a meaningful and attractive way | Information is extremely well organized, and the poster's design eye-catching | | Group Dynamic | Group worked with little cooperation or did not resolve conflict | All group members participated, but not equally | All group members contributed equally to complete the assignments | Group worked cooperatively and dynamically, with no prompting from the teacher | | Presentation Skills | The presentation is difficult to follow or too short | The presentation is complete and organized | The presentation is detailed, and student refers to notes only occasionally | The presentation is interesting, thorough, and memorized | |
Conclusion
The City Council approved your plan for the trail system! Work begins next spring, and by the summer, city residents will have a new way to enjoy the outdoors. Conservationists are satisfied as well, since you plan minimizes human impact on the environment. You have even been contacted by leaders in other cities, who wish to use your plan as a model for their own parks projects.  | 
