We are happy to have all of you join us as students in this course.  We are also excited to be working with you in the Scholar enviroment, a next-generation Learning Management System being developed by educators here at the University of Illinois.  You may want to "Star" this Update (the button in the top-right corner) as it will contain a lot of information to help you get started.

In this class we will be using the Compass2g platform to download Case Studies and take Quizzes.  We will use the Scholar platform for interaction with our Classmates.

To get started using Scholar, check out the Shared Document "A Quick Introduction to Scholar" on the right panel of your Class Community. You can also check out the Scholar Tutorials to explore all the features of this platform.

You can expect us to put up at least two Updates each week - the Monday Update and Thursday Update. Be sure to read these for information and important class materials.

Your first assignment:

• Review the Syllabus.
• Review the Class schedule.
• Watch the first Video with Professor Jeffery Roesler.  The video covers an introduction to PBL, as well as sustainability, course overview, format, logistics, and semester projects.

To get started using Scholar, check out the Shared Document "A Quick Introduction to Scholar" on the right panel of your Class Community. You can also check out the Scholar Tutorials to explore all the features of this platform.

You can expect us to put up at least two Updates each week - the Monday Update and Thursday Update. Be sure to read these for information and important class materials.

Have any questions? Use the Comment Box below to ask your TAs for the course!

Your assignments for this week:

• Read the Urban Stormwater Drainage Case Study literature in Compass.
• Take the Quiz for Case Study 1 at the Compass course page.
• Come to class prepared for the boneyard creek project field trip.

Use the comments below to coordinate with each other for the project field trip.  We will be meeting at the classroom and then walking to the Boneyard Creek together. 

Assignment #1

Search campus and the community for possible project ideas. Think about infrastructure or systems that could be redesigned to be more sustainable, safer, save money, lower impact to the environment, etc.

TASK 1: Identify 5 opportunities, write a problem statement to support each project (feasibility study) you think is interesting enough to pursue.

Task 2: For each opportunity, write down which category your opportunity belongs to. Below is a broad list of project categories to help in your search:

1. Emissions and air quality
2. Health monitoring of infrastructure
3. Reducing campus carbon footprint
4. Stormwater management
5. Water quality, demand, and supply
6. Sustainable urban landscape
7. Green buildings
8. Energy and power
9. Multi-modal and integrated transportation systems
10. Bike, vehicle connectivity
11. Transportation safety
12. Roadway and bike path infrastructure
13. Solid waste management; construction material, glass recycling
14. Construction management
15. Forensic study of a failed system or infrastructure element
16. Other category

Write your problem statements in a Comment below.

Problem statement #1 - Category...

Problem statement #2 - Category...

Problem statement #3 - Category...

Problem statement #4 - Category...

Problem statement #5 - Category...

Sustainability on Campus

This week we will be looking at the 2015 Illinois Climate Action Plan and talking about how the campus deals with Sustainability issues.

Sustainability is: Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

The Illinois Climate Action Plan (iCAP) outlines a path for the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to achieve carbon neutrality as soon as possible, and no later than 2050. The Campus committed to this ambitious goal when it signed the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) in 2008.

- The iCAP Portal

What you need to do before class on Thursday:

• Read the iCAP Home Page to familiarize yourself with the organization
• Visit the iCAP Projects Page for an overview and skim the Full Project LIsting
• Check out the 2015 Illinois Climage Action Plan  and skim the Complete Document

Also, make sure you post your 5 Problem Statements in the Comments of the Week 1 Thursday Admin Post.  They are due by class time on Thursday.

Assignment #2

Review the ideas of your classmates in the Week 1 Thursday Update and think about the class presentations from this evening to explore common themes.

What you need to do for next week:

• Task 1:  Identify in your opinion the top 3 project ideas that you would like to further explore as part of a team.
• Task 2:  For each idea, individually restate the Problem Statement from your own perspective and post them in a comment below.
• Task 3:  Review your Peer's submissions to identify common trends or interesting perspectives on similar problems.

Due:  Before Noon on Thursday, September 10.

Recycling and Urban Renewal

Your assignments for this week:

• Read the Construction Materials Recycling Case Study literature in Compass.
• Take the Quiz for Case Study 2 at the Compass course page.
• Work on Assignment #2
• Comment on the Week 2 Thursday Update to discuss your Project Ideas.

Case_Study_2-Recycling_Materials_in_Transportation_Infrastructure.pdf

Assignment #3

This week we are continuing to refine our Project Ideas.  By now you should have figured out the problem that you want to solve and have identified people who might make good collaborators.

What you need to do for next week.  In the comments below write a couple sentances on each of the following points:

1. Define your Problem Definintion
2. Describe your Proposed Solution
3. Give the Key Advantages for your Proposed Solution

We will be matching you up into Project Groups based on the Problems that you identify.  So make sure you read your Peers' comments so that you will know ho you can work with!

Attached is an example of a CEE Project Summary from Professor Schideman.  This goes beyond what is expected of you for this assignment but should be helpful in understanding the scope of your project.  It will be useful for your Milestone 1 Document when you get there.

E2E_One_Pager-2015.pdf

Due: Before Noon on Thursday, September 17.

Waste Water Treatment

This week we will be talking about Waste Water Treatment and taking a field trip to the Champaign-Urbana Waste Water Treatment Plant.

REMINDER: If you need a ride to the Waste Water Treatment Plant you should show up at NCEL by 3:45 to car pool over there. We will meet on the back loading dock, on the North side of the building at the end of Main Street (just outside the back door by our usual classroom).

If you want to drive yourself, you can meet us at the facility at 4:00 PM. Follow the directions on this Google Map to get there. This is the best way to get to the front gate of the facility. Follow the drive around to the main entrance.

Attached is a desciption of the UCSD Waste Water Treatment Plant:

UCSD_Plant_description_and_facilities_layout.pdf

Your assignments before we meet:

• Read the UCSD Plant Description document, attached above.
• Read Section 4 of the Case Study: Enabling the Future: Advancing Resouce Recovery from Biosolids
• Take the Quiz for Case Study 3 at the Compass course page.
• If you cannot meet us at the Waste Water Treatment Plant at 4 PM, or meet the car pool at NCEL at 3:45 PM, email TA James Bittner (jbittn2@illinois.edu) or Professor Jeff Roesler (jroesler@illinois.edu) to make alternate arrangements.

Start Forming Teams

As we mentioned in class on Thursday, we will be forming Project Teams next week.  If you have already identified some people who you want to work with in a Project Team, please make a comment below and tell us the names of the people you are working with.

Remember, each team should be 2-3 people.  You should have a problem that you have identified and at least an idea of how you would like to pursue a solution.  In class next week, we will match up anyone who has not yet found a team.  Make sure you check out the Assignment #2 & Assignment #3 Updates and message Peers with similar interests to make a team beforehand!

Urban Design & Human Health

Your assignments for this week:

Read the Wellbeing and Green Spaces in Cities Case Study (attached below)
Read the "Basics" on What is Green Infrastructure? from the EPA
Take the Quiz for Case Study 3 in Compass2g

Don't forget that we will also be assigning Project Groups. Please comment on the Week 4 Thursday Admin Update if you have already formed your group.

Wellbeing_and_Green_Spaces_in_Cities-William_Sullivan.pdf

Team Charter & Milestone 1

For this week, you have two things to work on:

1. You will write your Team Charter and post it in an Update. Update Due: 11 PM, Sunday Night.
2. You will start your Milestone 1 Project. First Draft Due: 11 PM, Wednesday Night

Attached to this Update is a Word Document with a model Team Charter Document.  Your team should work together by downloading this document, customizing it for your group, then distributing it to everyone for your group to keep.

CEE398(PBL)-Team_Charter_Form.docx

You will also be posting your Team Charter in our Class Community to share with everyone.  One student from each team should make this post.  Make the Tile of your Update as follows: "Team Charter: Team Name".  Include the following:

• Team Member Names (no need to include emails or phone numbers in the Update)
• Statement of Purpose (edited to suit your group)
• Code of Conduct (edited to suit your group)

After making your Update, start working on the "Milestone 1" project in Creator.  Do this by clicking the "Creator" button at the top of CG Scholar.  You can get more information on writing in the Creator Space from the CG Scholar Tutorials.

Follow the structure in the Milestone 1 Requirements & Rubric document, attached below.

CEE398(PBL)-Milestone_1_Requirements_Rubric.pdf

Questions?  Post them in the Comments Box below or email Adam Rusch.

Milestone 1

This week, we are continuing to work on our Milestone 1 Assignments.  You have all been added to a group to create a Work for this project.  To get to this Work, click on the "Creator" button above.  You may have to look at the "Works" pane on the right side to choose the Milestone 1 project from the list.

For more information on writing Works in Scholar, check out Section 3 of the Scholar Tutorials.  We expect you to make each Section listed on the rubric a seperate Element in the Structure of the Work.

Due this week:

• IF POSSIBLE, BRING A LAPTOP TO CLASS ON THURSDAY.  Or at least print out the assignments you were given to Peer Review.
• Complete your Milestone 1 proposal by 11 PM on Wednesday.
• Press the SUBMIT Button to submit the Work for Peer Review.  It is important to Submit so that your Classmates can give you Peer Reviews.
• After 11 PM on Wednesday, read the proposals submitted by other Teams.  You should recieve a Notification you have been assigned a couple Works for Peer Review.
• Come to class on Thursday ready to discuss the proposals you were assigned.
• Written Peer Reviews will be due by 11 PM, Friday.  We will go over how to do Peer Reviews in class.

Also due this week:

• Prepare a 5 minute "3 slide" presentation about your Project Proposal to share in class.
• Download the "Initial Presentation Template" PPT file provided below.
• Customize the template for your Team and email to James Bittner.

InitialPresentationTemplate.pptx

Questions or Comments?  Post in the Comment box below.

Milestone 1 - Deadlines Extended

A quick announcement about the Milestone 1 Assignment.

• Peer Review Deadline is extended to 11:59 PM, Saturday, Oct. 3
• Final Draft Deadline is extended to 3:59 PM, Thursday, Oct. 8

While the Project Summary here on Scholar will still say the old dates, we will not penalize you for submitting your work past due, so long as they are in by the new dates mentioned above!

If you feel like you need some extra tips, check out the Scholar Tutorials for step-by-step instructions on using Creator.  3.7) Submitting a Draft.  3.8) Reviewing a Work.  3.9) Submitting a Review and Annotations.  It's important to Submit the Review so your classmates can see your advice and you can get credit!

Any other questions?  Post them in the Comments box below!

Building Information Modelling

This week we are looking at Building Information Modeling (BIM).  We will also be visiting the construction area near Ikenberry Commons.  We will meet at the Construction Management Trailer to begin our tour.

• If driving, park in the Activities & Recreation Center (ARC) Parking Lot.
• The Construction Management Trailer is just across the street, outside Ikenberry Commons (near the intersection of Peabody & Euclid).
• This is (obviously) a Construction Zone!  You will be provided a helmet.
• You must wear closed-toe shoes, and preferably long pants.
• Bring your I-Clicker.
• Email James Bittner if you will have trouble getting to the site.

Your assignments for this week:

• Read the Case Study: Introduction to Building information Modeling
• Take the Case Study 5 Quiz in Compass2g
• Check out the Case Study Appendix: Energy Optimization in a Performance Driven Culture
• Check out the Case Study Appendix: Sustainability Initiative Drives Net-Zero Design

Introduction_to_Building_Information_Modeling_Case_Study.pdf

Have any questions or comments?  Post them in the comment box below.

Projects Moving Forward

Everyone has completed the Milestone 1 Projects and most of you have sumitted your Peer Reviews.  If you have not yet submitted the reviews, please do so ASAP so that your classmates can use the feedback when they work on Milestone 2.

Over the next few days, you will recieve Feedback from your instructors that will help you improve your project.  Professor Roesler will also be giving you a grade for the Milestone 1 Work.  You should be meeting with your team to continue refining the project.

To see the Feedback from your instructors, go to your Milestone 1 Work in Creator.  Click on Feedback > Reviews > Results.  Under "View Reviews", you can choose which Version of the Work you want to see.  Your Peer Reviews will be on Version 1 (or your earlier versions) while the Instructor Reviews will be on the later versions.

Next week, come to class prepared to discuss the project with your instructors.  We will also present Milestone 2, which you will be starting soon.

Questions or Comments?  Post them in the comments box below.

Assignment for this week:

• Collect data for your project

Milestone 2

This week you will be starting in on your Milestone 2 projects.  This will be a continuation of your Milestone 1 Projects, so feel free to copy your old information over.  At the same time, you should be doing extensive updates and including additional information.

Follow the Structure in the Milestone 2 Requirements & Rubric document below.

CEE_398(PBL)-Milestone_2_Requirements_26Rubric.pdf

For references, you may want to use the Publications Guide of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Questions or Comments?  Post them in the comments box below.

Class Presentation

Your assignment this week:

• Prepare a 3-slide presentation of your work so far, be able to clearly explain your project objectives & scope & schedule. 
• Make sure all members of your group are involved and be ready for questions from your instructors.
• Email your slideshow to James Bittner.

Questions or Comments?  Post them in the comment box below!

• Bring laptop to class
• Each team will give a 3-minute presentation to the class on their project goals & tasks

Power Generation & Infrastructure

This week we will be touring the Abbott Power Plant that helps provide electricty for campus.  We have a reading and lecture to go along with the tour.

• 3:50 PM - Meet at the Trailer north of the Power Plant (Corner of Armory & Oak Streets)
• If you drive, come in through the gate and park just past the trailer.
• Wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and a shirt with sleeves.  
• Bring your iClicker.  Ear Plugs and a helmet will be provided.

Your assignment for this week:

• Keep working on your project
• Read the Power Plant Primer - Reading Material.
• Take the Quiz for Case Study 6 on Compass2g.

Power_Plant_Primer-Reading_Material.pdf

Questions or Comments?  Post them in the comment box below.

Continue Project Work

You should have made significant progress on Milestone 2 by now.  Make sure you have your Data collected by next week Thursday and are ready to discuss it with your Instructors in class.

Professor Mary will be joining us to talk about the writing process and to help you with your Work.  Make sure you talk with her during the collaboration time in class if you have questions.

Your assignment for this week:

• Revise your Molestone 2 in light of in-class feedback from your presentation given in week 9.

Continue Project Work

Keep working on Milestone 2.

Next week Thursday, your Drafts will be released for Peer Reviews and you will be expected to give feedback to your classmates over the weekend.  We look forward to seeing your progress!

Structural Health Monitoring (Case Study 7)

This week, in addition to the work you need to keep doing on your Milestone 2 Projects, we will also have a Case Study on Structural Health Monitoring. In this lesson, the basics of structural health monitoring (SHM) and its role in managing civil infrastructure are presented.  This document introduces structural engineering management, defines SHM, provides a brief history on SHM, and describes the engineering principles behind SHM.  The fundamental elements of SHM projects and field examples are discussed as well.

Your assignment for this week:

• Keep working on your project per the last Update.
• Read the SHM Pre-Class Reading.
• Take the SHM Case Study Quiz in Compass2g.
•  Bring your iClickers to class.

Questions or Comments?  Use the Add a Comment box below.

• Work in-class on Milestone #2.
• Submit Milestone #2 draft for review.

Your assignments for this week:

• Read the CN Bridge over Little Calumet River Case Study literature in Compass.
• Take the Quiz for Case Study 7 at the Compass course page.

Final Projects

Your Final Project will bring together everything you have been working on in the previous Milestones, present the data you have collected, and showcase your conclusions.  At the end of this project, you will have a chance to Publish the work so that you can include it as part of your digital portfolio.

Follow the guidelines for the project found in the Final Report Requirements document.

CEE398(PBL)-Final_Report_Requirements.pdf

Questions or Comments?  Use the Add a Comment box below.

Final Report Preparation

We are nearing the end of the semester and the time when you will need to give your final reports.  You should be continuing to work on your Final Project with your teams.  Your instructors and TAs will be available this week and next week to help you if you have questions or need guidance.

On Thursday you should be ready to briefly discuss the Posters for your Final Presentations.  We will put your poster up on the projector and discuss what points look good and what can be improved.

• Be ready to give a 2-minute presentation with your Poster
• Include good tables and figures, balance between text and images
• Email the file to James Bittner before class

Have questions or comments?  Contact your instructors directly or use the Comments Box below.

Today in class we went over your posters.  Don't forget that

Your assignment this week:

• Upload your poster in Power Point format to Compass by noon Tuesday Dec 8th.

• Poster Session & Presentations in the Newmark Yeh Student Center
• SUBMIT final project report by midnight for grading