Potential projects at CCAT
From Appropedia
Thank you for considering a project at CCAT (the student-run Campus Center for Appropriate Technology at Humboldt State University). With funding from Associated Students (AS) and Instructionally Related Activities (IRA), CCAT is able to provide hands-on learning opportunities to students in 15 HSU classes each year. CCAT has a lot of resources on hand that will help you. In order for things to flow smoothly, it is important to follow the guidelines and deadlines below.
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[edit] CCAT’s Criteria:
A CCAT representative will provide a list of some potential projects on CCAT’s site. However, we are open to your ideas as well!
In order to receive CCAT funding:
- The project must be related to Appropriate Technology and the mission of CCAT, which is to demonstrate that living lightly on the earth is practical and rewarding.
- The project must be at CCAT, a community organization or place, or the project must serve as an educational tool or demonstration that reaches a significant amount of people/year.
- The project must be interpretive.
- A final report must be turned in to CCAT to be put on file.
- If CCAT is unable to fund your entire project, other sources of funding or donations must be explored.
- Projects must be able to be completed within semester time frame, unless specific circumstances of project are discussed with co-directors prior to submitting proposal.
[edit] Starting your Project
It’s a good idea to get started on your project as soon as possible, as most projects take much longer than you would expect. As a general rule, expect projects to take at least three times longer than you originally estimated. CCAT will connect you to a co-director or CCAT employee who can assist you with your project. This person will be your primary contact. Communication is the key! This person will assist you in project development and answering questions on issues such as using your IRA funds. While we will be assisting you the whole time, it is your project and responsibility to complete, and it is your instructor who ultimately grades you!
[edit] Project Proposal & Budget Estimate
Once your project group (of any size) has developed an idea sufficiently, you need to turn in a brief project proposal (one per group) to CCAT. This proposal must include a detailed description of the project with accompanying sketches, a list of materials needed (as complete as possible), and a budget estimate. Create the budget estimate by sourcing and pricing the items on your materials list. Try to foresee non-material costs (like tool rentals) as well. Please see the attached example budget proposal. These documents allow us to ensure that all awarded projects receive funding. To ensure that there is enough time to complete your project, these proposals must be delivered to CCAT by the FOURTH WEEK of classes. We cannot award any funding until we receive your budget. When we determine which projects we are able to fund, we will contact you. Once you are awarded funding, the first thing you should do is schedule a meeting with your CCAT contact. They will orient you to CCAT’s resources and facility, and then you can get rolling on your project! Have lots of fun!
[edit] Spending Money on Your Project
The following paragraphs describe how to spend money on CCAT projects. All expenditures need to be approved by the whole group. Purchases $50 and over should be made by your CCAT contact (a CCAT employee or co-director). For smaller purchases, you may buy the item. Then turn in to CCAT your original receipt, attached to a piece of paper with your name, project name and class written on it, as well as a brief statement of how the item is part of your project. Reimbursement usually takes at least a week. If you are confused about how to obtain an acceptable receipt, please ask prior to making the purchase.
[edit] For receipts to be accepted:
- Official printed receipt that has the name/address of company, an itemized account of purchases, a total, and proof of payment (i.e. account balance = $0).
- Hand-written receipts must be on company letterhead (or have a business card attached). They must include all of the same information as a printed receipt, and must be signed by the seller.
- If there is any name of purchaser on the receipt, it must be your name.
- If you use a credit card, include the printed slip.
- If you pay with a check, it is ideal to first make a copy of the check. Otherwise, you may have to have your bank send a copy.
All purchases must be made before Finals Week!
[edit] Potential Projects
[edit] Potential Projects for Engineering 114, Fall 2008
- Thermal Curtains: (3-6 people) Research materials and indoor air quality considerations. Create curtains for some of CCAT’s windows, primarily the north facing windows.
- Materials research for downstairs kitchenette: (3 people) Research alternative materials, obtain donated/discounted materials from local distributors. Can install materials for credit toward class hours.
- Native planting/Invasive removal: (3-5 people) Limited research on native and invasive plants for our region, removal of identified invasives, planting natives on CCAT grounds.
- Bike Trailer: (3-6 people) CCAT has numerous failing bike trailers. Students can choose to repair existing trailers, or build new trailers from salvaged materials. Appropedia page on “Backpack frame trailer” could be useful resource, possibly advance on this design.
- Plant Signage: (3-5 people) Identification of existing plants in the CCAT gardens, and design of template for consistent signage of all plants on CCAT grounds. Keep in mind weathering conditions and materials use for sign template. Possibly obtain donated/discounted materials for future signs. Emphasis on Aesthetics and Appropriateness of signs/ materials.
- Cold Box: (2-3 people) Design and build a cold box for an existing location in CCAT's kitchen. Research methods of constructing and efficiency of a cold box. Obtain donated/discounted materials from local sources and create an insulated, functioning cold box for the space already existing. Emphasis on aesthetics and design. Carpentry skills required, student may work with CCAT maintainence or grounds employees to assure.
- Northern Swale Slope Herb/Plant Bed: (2-3 people) Students can develop upon the swale northern Slope of CCAT which could use an herb plant bed. A suggested emphasis would be on herbs used for cooking, being that the slope is adjacent to CCAT kitchen.
- Parabolic Solar Cooker : (1 Person) Research and construct a parabolic solar cooker using a Papa san .
- NorthEastern Slope Stabilization or Path Creation: (2-4 people) CCATs NorthEastern Slope needs various bushes, trees, and/ or shrubs planted in order to stabilize the slope. This area is envisioned to eventually become a sanctuary for birds.
- Appropriate Technology Kids Zone (2-3 people) The new downstairs of the CCAT building is a prime place for interpretive and interactive exhibits. This project will research and create interactive educational displays or toys as found at such places like the S.F Exploratorium or Arcata's Natural Resource Museum.
- Clothes Lines (1 person) CCAT needs appropriately placed clothing lines which can be utilized to dry clothing. Hopefully the system with be easy to set up and dismantle given the rainy nature of Humboldt County.
- Watering System (2-4 people) Design and implement a gravity fed drip irrigation system for CCATs upper beds. The system should be designed keeping the future CCAT Water Catchment system's integration in mind. Using Paul Polak's system as an example and reference.
- Trex or Brick Pathway (2-3 people) Install a pathway made of trex or brick leading from the handicapped parking space up to the cement patio (near the cob oven). Pathway should be wheelchair friendly, therefore including a swtichback towards the patio.
[edit] Potential Projects for Engineering 305, Spring 2009
- Bike shelter (2-3 people)
- Outdoor gallery (1 person)
- Floor glaze (2-3 people)
- Tool shed (3 people)
- cob parabolic or tracking solar accumulating barbecue (2-4 people)
- Pedal Power Mill
- Pedal Powered T.V Battery Installation
- Grey Water End Use Efficiency
- Rain Water Catchment System
- Solar Water Heated Hot Tub!!!!!!!!!!
