Altruism and Ollie(ing)
An Experiment in Generosity and Skateboards
In the Altruism and Ollie(ing) project, students will explore philanthropy and altruism through history, while taking part in a great experiment exploring what happens to us when we attempt to be more generous on a daily basis. In addition to creating their own philosophies on altruism, students will document, in a photojournalistic style, their self designed and executed altruistic experiences that overlap with their personal philosophies. Simultaneously, students will build skateboards to give away. You can also access Student Blogs, documenting their own altruistic experiences.
Scheduled Activities |
Due Dates |
Links |
Week 1 (Jan 26-30):
Humanities: Building a common vocabulary of philanthropy, altruism and generosity; Formal and Informal Generosity Experiments; developing our own generosity experiment Physics: Science of the Brain - What altruism does for us Experiences: The great generosity experiment |
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FORMAL RESEARCH:
Notre Dame University's Generosity Initiative "Generosity in Marriage" "What Motivates Generosity? Researchers Muslims and Catholics" "If Giving Makes Us Happy so Why Do So Few of Us Do It?" Neuroscience examaning the underpinnings of generosity NPR - "Research Suggests Generosity Is Hardwired in the Brain" NPR - "Why People Take Risks to Help Others" INFORMAL RESEARCH: Soul Pancake's "Street Compliments" Sasha Dichter's "Generosity Experiment" "Karma Kitchen" Smile Cards 40 Days of Giving Blog Service Space's "Daily Good" |
Week 2 (Feb 2-6):
Humanities: History of Generosity in Western thought Physics: Science of the brain and altruism Experiences: First photography lesson and pictures during FIELD TRIP to Jeff and Deni Jacobs Child Development Center and Ronald McDonald House |
Due Thurs., Feb 5: The Great Generosity Experiment Reflections
Due Fri., Feb 6: Photo and reflection from Field Trip |
Week 3 (Feb 9-13):
Humanities: Analyze Philosophies of generosity, philanthropy and altruism Reading: Physics: Finish Solar Nightlights Readings: Aristotle's Nicomachean ethics, Thomas Aquinas' Magna Carta Experiences: 2nd photography lesson and pictures during FIELD TRIP to Ronald McDonald House Fri., Feb 13: No School |
Due Thurs., Feb 12 Photography Assignment
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Week 4 (Feb 16-20):
Mon., Feb 16: No School Humanities: Experiences: Third photography lesson and pictures during FIELD TRIP to deliver night lights to Explorer Elementary students |
Due Fri., Feb 20: Basic Tenets of your personal philosophy of generosity
Due Fri. Feb. 20: Photo and reflection from Explorer trip |
Week 5 (Feb 23-27):
Humanities: Moving from photography to Photojournalism- Telling stories through photos. |
Due Fri. Feb., 25: First photojournalistic attempt
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Week 6 (Mar 2-6):
Humanities: Developing your personal philosophy of generosity; Starting your own experiences Physics: Physics of Skateboarding Tricks Student Led Conferences Monday, March 2: No School Thursday, March 5: Minimum Day Experiences: Mary West Senior Center and Feeding America |
Due Thurs. March 5: Rough Draft Personal Philosophy on Generosity
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Week 7 (Mar 9-13):
Humanities: Finishing you personal philosophies; Altruistic project proposals and making matches Physics: Physics of Skateboarding, Design Principles of Skateboards Experiences: Designing and setting up your own altruistic experience. |
Due Tues. March 10: Examples and Quotes entered into second draft of Philosophy of Generosity
Due Thurs., March 12: Personal Philosophy on Generosity |
Week 8 (Mar 16-20)
Humanities: Foundational work for your Altruistic Experience; shooting photos for your photographic story Physics: Skateboard Prototype Design and Build Experience: Professional: communication skills and etiquette. |
Week 9 (Mar 23-27)
Humanities: Working on your own experience; developing your photographic story Physics: Skateboard prototype build Experience: Professional communication skills and etiquette. Monday, March 23: Fitness Testing |
SPRING BREAK (March28-April 13)
Week 10 (Apr 13-17 ):
Humanities: Email Etiquette, project development, Exhibition Development Physics: Physics of Skateboarding, Creating design of skateboard decals April 13: No School |
Week 11 (Apr 20-24):
Humanities: Completing/ Formatting Philosophies of Generosity Physics: |
Week 12 (Apr 27-May 1):
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Week 13 (May 4-8):
May 8: No School |
May 7: Last day of Individual "Altruistic Experience"
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Week 14 (May 11-15):
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DUE MAY 14: INITIAL COMPLETE PHOTOJOURNALISTIC ESSAY
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SENIOR TEACHER WEEK (May 18-22)
Week 15 (May 25-29):
Humanities: Printing, framing, displaying and uploading photojournalistic pieces Experiences: Delivery of Skateboards |
Week 16 (June 1-5):
EXHIBITION WEEK |
Week 17 (8-12):
TPOL Prep
TPOL Prep