ground up studies

pioneering studies :: a radically practical learning lab

the primary objective of this program is not to teach specific skills. the mission is to teach people how to use their inherent intuition to truly learn... through experience, trial and error, persistence. the secondary goal is to pass along building blocks: fundamental knowledge of essential subjects, a solid basis for critical thought, a spark to ignite a passion for creative work that simultaneously employs the worker's hands, heart and mind. jane goodall's roots & shoots and samuel mockbee's rural studio have had a huge impact on my post-college view of education, and the means and ends of this project.

the following is a rough outline, a starting point for a curriculum of sorts, which is fluid and evolving. feel free to drop me a note with any suggestions.

:: fundamentals

math / physics / mechanics

natural systems / permaculture

economics

tools: handling, care, maintenance

primal: food, shelter, security, community...

diet / fitness

philosophy / spirituality (keeping it together)

:: primary skills

trades: carpentry, metal working, masonry, ceramics...

agriculture: propagation, soils, siting, seed saving...

alt energy / heating: rocket stoves, thermo-syphons, solar hwh...

micro-economics: household (energy / heat, food storage, cooking, fermentation...)

communication networks

:: advanced

architectural design

structural engineering

mechanical / electrical

natural medicine / herbalism

community economics. alt markets/exchange, local lending, local currencies

building a regional commodity exchange (esp. recycled / salvaged matls)

petri dish: how to facilitate organic development of authentic human culture

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peripheral enterprise

community / philanthropy

charitable projects done for material cost or free of charge. building projects, energy, garden installations.

contracting

construction, maintenance, retrofits, upgrades, heat / energy solutions, garden installations. these projects can be used as teaching vehicles for advanced students.

consulting

engineering, architecture, energy, gardens, home econ / organization

products

passive solar water heaters, rocket stoves, hay boxes, cold frames...

info hub / commodity exchange

a place to post / locate resources, materials, services, support

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sample projects / products

rocket stove

thermosiphon. sun heats black screen in frame. a vent at the top allows warm air to travel into the space. vents at the bottom draw cooler air into the frame for heating.