Project Phase 3: Proposal and Presentation

Updates 7/29/25

Timeline: Weeks 9-12

Back to Main Project Page

Overview

Phase 3 transforms your research into a compelling proposal for funded undergraduate research. You’ll write a professional grant proposal with a budget and present your project to the class, demonstrating both your expertise and communication skills.

  • Formatting and other information on Main Project Page under Essential Information
  • TPG Draft (pre-AI)
    • Name it: “TPG Draft – [Your Name]”
    • Due Friday, November 7
  • TPG Proposal (AI enhanced)
    • Name it: “TPG Proposal – [Your Name]”
    • Due Friday, November 7
  • Presentation slides
    • Name them: “TPG Presentation – [Your Name]”
    • Due: date of presentation (see schedule)

Part A: TPG Proposal

You are not required to submit this proposal nor pursue the topic beyond this course – unless you want to.

There are two different OWU TPG grant programs: The OWU Connection Grant (up to $4000) and the Theory into Practice Grant (more than $4000).

  • See the web page for actual deadlines.
  • For a real TPG: set up an appointment with a student mentor or stop by the IOCP office in Slocum 311 between 9-4, M-F.

For this course, we will follow the format of the TPG grant even if your funding request is less than $4000.

You have sufficient work completed to piece together your TPG, including work from your Chapter Review (your environmental values), work on your TPG topic, and your sources (and details from the Annotated Bibliography).

Budget Development

Create a realistic budget that includes:

    • Travel costs (mileage, flights, lodging if applicable)
    • Materials and supplies specific to your project
    • Fees for conferences, workshops, or training
    • Community partnership costs if applicable
    • Documentation costs (printing, website development, etc.)

Avoid:

    • Personal expenses unrelated to the project
    • Overly expensive items without clear justification
    • Vague or generic budget categories

Working with Communities

If your proposal involves working with Indigenous peoples or other communities, review the special guidelines and address ethical considerations in your proposal.

Citations

Grant proposals can contain citations if you use a quote or want to refer to a source as an essential foundation for your proposed project. Citing important sources also lends the proposal a sense of academic credibility and professionalism.

Unlike academic papers, grant proposals use minimal citations. Include citations when you:

    • Quote directly from a source
    • Reference specific data or statistics
    • Cite foundational work that supports your approach
    • Mention key studies that inform your methodology
    • Focus on integrating research insights rather than citing extensively

Write up a draft of the TPG and save it as “TPG Draft – [Your Name]”

    • I want to see what you came up with vs the final version shaped by AI.

Then:

AI Support Available: Use AI Worksheet 3: Proposal Development to

    • Assess your proposal’s logical structure and argument flow
    • Identify potential weaknesses before reviewers see them
    • Develop compelling language for impact and significance
    • Refine your timeline and budget based on AI feedback
    • Anticipate and address reviewer concerns

AI provides suggestions – you remain the expert on your project and maintain your authentic voice.

Save the AI-enhanced version of your TPG Proposal as “TPG Proposal – [Your Name]”

Assessment Criteria (TPG Draft and TPG Proposal)

Your TPG proposal will be evaluated on:

    • Significance: Clear, compelling case for why the project matters
    • Feasibility: Realistic scope, methods, and timeline for undergraduate work
    • Preparation: Evidence that you have the knowledge and skills needed
    • Methodology: Appropriate, well-justified approach
    • Impact: Thoughtful consideration of outcomes and broader significance
    • Effective use of AI: Expands on your learning, does not replace it
    • Budget: Realistic, detailed, well-justified expenses
    • Writing quality: Professional tone, clear organization, error-free

Part B: TPG Presentation

Presentation Format

    • Length: 12 minutes total (10 minutes presenting + 2 minutes Q&A)
    • Format: Google Slides (“TPG Presentation – [Your Name]”) in your shared class folder
    • Audience: Classmates and instructor

Required Presentation Elements

    • You may vary the number of slides as needed, but cover this content

Slide 1: Title & Introduction

    • Project title, your name, date
    • Brief hook to engage audience interest (image, cool example, quick story)

Slides 2-3: Project Overview & Context

    • The problem or issue you’re addressing
    • Why this matters (use research from your annotated bibliography)
    • Your specific focus and research question

Slides 4-5: Project Objectives & Methods

    • What you plan to accomplish
    • Your approach and methodology
    • Timeline for major activities

Slides 6-7: Evaluation & Impact

    • How you’ll measure success
    • Expected outcomes and deliverables
    • Broader significance of your work

Slide 8: Personal Connection

    • Why this topic matters to you personally
    • How it connects to your values and career goals
    • What you hope to learn

Slide 9: Budget Overview

    • Major budget categories
    • How funding will be used
    • Value proposition for investment

Slide 10: Conclusions & Questions

    • Key takeaways
    • Thank you
    • Invitation for questions

Presentation Tips

    • Practice out loud at least twice before presenting
    • Look up how to pronounce tough words
    • Time yourself – 10 minutes goes quickly
    • Prepare for questions – anticipate what classmates might ask
    • Use visuals effectively – avoid text-heavy slides
    • Check for typos
    • Tell a story – connect problem → approach → impact
    • Be enthusiastic – your passion should come through

Common Challenges & Solutions

“My proposal seems too ambitious” → Scale back scope; focus on what’s realistically achievable in timeframe

“I don’t have enough to fill 3 pages” → Develop your methodology and impact sections more fully; add specific details

“My budget seems too high/low” → Research actual costs; justify each expense; discuss in office hours

“I’m nervous about presenting” → Practice multiple times; focus on your passion for the topic; remember classmates want you to succeed

“My topic seems boring compared to others” → Focus on why YOU find it compelling; every environmental issue has significance

Assessment Criteria (Presentation)

Assessment form (will be filled out by audience members)

Your TPG Presentation will be evaluated on:

    • Show up early and make sure you are ready to present on your presentation day
    • Content: Comprehensive coverage of project elements
    • Organization: Logical flow and clear structure
    • Communication: Clear, engaging delivery
    • Visuals: Effective use of slides to support content
    • Time management: Appropriate pacing within time limit
    • Q&A handling: Thoughtful responses to questions
    • Feedback from fellow students (on form above)

Real TPG Submission

Remember: You’re not required to submit this proposal, but you could! Many students do submit their class proposals and receive funding. If you’re interested:

    • Refine based on feedback from this class
    • Schedule a consultation with TPG mentors in the IOCP office (Slocum 311)
    • Review submission deadlines on the TPG website
    • Consider summer or next academic year timing
    • Talk to your instructor or other faculty members

What’s Next?

In Phase 4 you will combine and review all project components, reflect on your learning process and self-assess your work.