Introduction to the Independent Study Project
Participants in both the three month and seven month Permaculture Work Study Programs are expected to complete an independent study project (ISP). The basic format for the ISP is a student first offers three rough proposals for projects that they would want to dedicate their time and energy toward. Their advisor then communicates with the greater leadership of Sunrise Ranch to determine which project will serve the greatest good, both for the community as well as for the student. The student is then guided to produce a detailed project specification that articulates their project goals and intentions in detail and includes a projected timeline. Here is a link to the document I sent each student in 2012 to describe the ISP: Independent Study Project Assignment
The independent study project is a critical piece of our Permaculture Work Study Program here at Sunrise Ranch. It provides an opportunity for students to pursue a topic that they are truly passionate about, it gives them a chance to learn about it experientially, and it is a way for the student to contribute their personal gifts to the community. In addition to benefitting the students, the independent study projects serve as a strategy for growing our gardens and operations. Projects that students initiate often have a direct positive impact on our community and in some cases leave a lasting legacy or create a new tradition.
The students are given one four hour shift a week to dedicate to their project. They are provided with advising sessions to keep them on track and to steer them toward available resources. The students are also encouraged to collaborate with other students to work together and assist one another with each other's projects. In some cases a student may even assume a leadership or teaching role and coordinate a time when they share their passion with others in a more formal, lecture or workshop format.
Throughout the duration of their project, students document their process and compile a final report to be submitted, as well as a presentation that they give to other students and members of the community. Here is a link to a document which describes my expectation for this final report and presentation. Output package and Presentation Expectations
List of Independent Study Projects
2012 Seven Month Participants
Devon Bryne------------------------- Straw Bale Green House
Keahi Ewa ----------------------------Cultural Event and Herb Garden
Curtis Chesney---------------------- Preservation/Firmentation
2012 Three Month Participants
Kevin Hicks ---------------------------Straw Bale Green House with Devon
Drew Arcuri --------------------------Medicinal Incense then Shelter for Horno
Emily Smela-------------------------- Homemade toiletries
Diane Farm/Kitchen communication enhancement
WWOOFers (World Wide Oportunities on Organic Farms Participants)
Daniel Brodell-Lake----------------Irrigation and Mushrooms
Wesly Alonzo------------------------ Vermicompost
B ---------------------------------------Mushroom Cultivation
Aaron---------------------------------Medicinal Herbs
2011 Work Study Program
Scott Walter Project #1------------------------Horno Construction
Scott Walter Project #2------------------------Herb Garden
Ryan------------------------------------------------Mushroom Cultivation
Adam Castle--------------------------------------Food Preservation
Laura Mailander--------------------------------Farm Field Trips For The Youth
Independent Study Project Archives
All the projects that are submitted to me are available for other students to view in Google Drive. Follow this link: 2012/2011 Independent Study Projects