Project

From Idea to TPG Proposal

Updates 7/25/25

Overview

This semester-long project teaches you the research process from initial idea to fundable Theory into Practice (TPG) proposal. You’ll explore potential project ideas, develop research skills, and write a TPG proposal that could actually be submitted for funding.

Why This Matters: Few OWU courses prepare students to write compelling grant proposals, yet TPG funding is a hallmark opportunity at OWU. This project gives you both the skills and confidence to pursue funded projects. Many environmental careers require the ability to write grant proposals.

We will use AI along the way, with AI Worksheets guiding your use of AI. The goal is to use AI to enhance your learning process. You will document how you use AI along the way.

All due dates on course schedule and course Google calendar.

Authored by JBK and Claude

The Four-Phase Journey

Phase 1: Foundation & Ideas

Weeks 1-4

  • Personal chapter review of environmental topic
    • Personal environmental values assessment
    • Three personal potential project ideas
  • Group presentation of chapter
  • AI Support: Topic development and refinement
  • Deliverable: 6-page chapter review + values + topics & group presentation of chapter

→ 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
  • AI Support: Research strategy and source evaluation
  • Deliverable: 6-page annotated bibliography

→ Go to Phase 2 Details

Phase 3: Proposal & Presentation

Weeks 9-12

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

→ Go to Phase 3 Details

Phase 4: Integration & Reflection

Weeks 13-15

  • Combine and review all project components
  • Reflect on learning process and self-assess your work
  • Deliverable: Project synthesis document

→ Go to Phase 4 Details

Essential Information

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

Grading Breakdown

  • Phase 1 (Chapter Review & Presentation): 100 points
  • Phase 2 (Annotated Bibliography): 100 points
  • Phase 3 (TPG Proposal & Presentation): 100 points
  • Phase 4 (Project Synthesis & Participation): 100 points

Success Tips

  • Connect personally – projects aligned with your interests are more successful
  • Start early – each phase builds on the previous one
  • Get help from instructor and librarian and other folks – this is complex work that requires collaboration
  • Embrace revision – good writing develops through feedback and editing

Resources & Support

Research Support

Writing Support

TPG Information

AI Worksheets

Questions?

Office Hours: Schedule here or email for other times

Remember: This project challenges you, but nearly all students complete it successfully and report that it significantly improved their research and writing skills. You’ve got this!