Mission 2008: Galapagos
(MIT subject 12.000 - Solving Complex Problems) Fall 2004
Final Presentation

Final Presentation will take place in MIT building 32-123 - Kirsch Auditorium in Stata Center, and will be broadcast live over the internet on December 2nd, 2004 starting at 7:00 pm. Please choose the speed of the connection below. The final presentation will remain on the web after the initial broadcast.

MIT freshmen taking 12.000 have worked this fall to design a mission consisting of three parts:

1. To develop a new preservation strategy for the Galapagos that builds on the current management plan for the Galapagos National Park and Galapagos Marine Reserve by designating the two as a "World Scientific Preserve" that would be managed by an international commission and funded by a multinational trust;

2. To design and deploy a network of environmental sensors to support a comprehensive program of ecosystem monitoring on the islands and surrounding waters;

3. To design an idealized "village" for permanent residents and visitors that would ensure the lowest possible human impact on island ecosystems.

The students were divided into two sections of five teams each and have had the coaching of upperclassmen, the mentoring of MIT alumni/ae and experts from around US and abroad, and the contact of MIT faculty.

Supported by the d'Arbeloff Fund for Excellence in Undergraduate Education, this class is being taught by Professor Kip Hodges (Geology - Course XII) and Professor Rafael Bras (Civil and Environmental Engineering - Course I) as a part of an Institute-wide initiative to expand the horizons of freshman education.
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    Last updated 11/30/04