Project

From Idea to TPG Proposal

Updates 5/30/26

Overview

This semester-long project involves learning the research process, from the initial idea to a fundable Theory into Practice (TPG) proposal. You’ll explore potential project ideas, develop research skills, and write a TPG proposal that you can submit for funding (though you don’t have to).

Why This Matters: OWU Theory into Practice Grants are a hallmark opportunity at OWU: this project gives you both the skills and confidence to pursue funded TPG projects. Many environmental careers require the ability to write similar grant proposals.

We will use AI along the way, with AI Worksheets as your guide. The goal is to use AI to enhance your learning process, not replace it. All OWU accounts have access to the professional version of Google’s Gemini AI.  Access it here https://gemini.google.com

Krygier Office Hours: Schedule here or email for other times

All due dates on the course schedule and the course Google Calendar (see Syllabus to subscribe)

Phase 1: Foundation & Ideas

Weeks 1-4

  • Personal chapter review of environmental topic (schedule 6 hours)
    • Personal environmental values assessment
    • Three personal potential project ideas
  • Group presentation of chapter (schedule 3 hours)
  • Chapter assignments here
  • AI Support: Topic development and refinement (schedule 3 hours)
  • Deliverable: Chapter Review + Values + Topics + AI Worksheet 1 & Group Presentation of Chapter (total = 12 hours)

→ Go to Phase 1 Details

Phase 2: Research & Sources

Weeks 5-8

  • Select your best topic idea
  • Learn library research skills with science librarian Holly Birk
  • Find and evaluate 6 scholarly sources in an annotated bibliography (schedule 8 hours)
  • AI Support: Research strategy and source evaluation (schedule 3 hours)
  • Deliverable: Annotated Bibliography + AI Worksheet 2 (total = 11 hours)

→ Go to Phase 2 Details

Phase 3: Proposal & Presentation

Weeks 9-12

  • Write 3-page TPG proposal with budget based on annotated bibliography (schedule 6 hours)
  • Develop 12-minute presentation (see schedule) (schedule 3 hours)
  • AI Support: Proposal development and refinement (schedule 3 hours)
  • Deliverable: TPG proposal + Presentation + AI Worksheet  (total = 12 hours)

→ Go to Phase 3 Details

Phase 4: Integration & Reflection

Weeks 13-15

  • Combine and review all project components
  • Reflect on learning process and impact of AI and self-assess your work (schedule 3 hours)
  • Deliverable: Project Synthesis (total = 3 hours)

→ Go to Phase 4 Details

Assignment Document Details

File Management

    1. Create your class folder: “ENVS 110 [Your Last Name]”
    2. Share with instructor (full editing permissions)
    3. Save all work as Google Docs in this folder
    4. Email instructor when assignments are ready for review
    5. Check shared documents for comments and grade
    6. Revisions, if needed, in original document. Email instructor when done.

Document Setup

    • Google Docs only (no PDFs or Word documents)
    • File name: reflect assignment (eg., “Chapter Review – [Your Last Name]”)
    • Save in: Your shared ENVS 110 folder
    • Email instructor when document is complete and in the shared folder

Page Format

    • Default margins and font
    • Font size: 11pt
    • Line spacing: 1.5