COMP364 Sustainability poster

Assignment Overview

The objective of this assignment is to:

1. conduct research into a topic related to sustainability and artificial intelligence; and
2. create and present a handmade poster explaining your research findings.

Team Structure

You can work on this assignment in teams of one, two, or three students.

Expectation of effort

The expectation of effort for this assignment is that each student will spend 6-10 hours on the project. This includes time spent researching, designing, and creating the poster, as well as preparing for the presentation.

Topic Selection

Potential topics for your poster include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Play the role of an investigative journalist. Find out what you can about how the PAX-1 project in Middlesex Township was approved. Were there any dubious practices involved? Who stands to benefit from this project? What are the advantages and disadvantages of proceeding with it?

2. Perform a geographical analysis of Pennsylvania and use it to determine the optimum location to build a large new data center. Feel free to narrow the scope of the research to fit the 6-10 hour time expectation. For example, you might choose to limit your analysis to electricity grid carbon intensity or some other single factor, at least initially.

3. Choose any application of artificial intelligence that contributes to or improves sustainability. Explain its potential for positive impact.

If you have an idea for a different topic, please consult with the instructor.

Poster requirements

• The poster will be created by writing or taping content onto a sheet of 23x33-inch (A1 size) paper.
• The handmade posters will be taped to a wall of our classroom during the poster presentations.
• Poster paper will be provided.
• Posters can be assembled from any combination of:
  • manual content created via markers, colored pencils, or other art supplies; and
  • printed text, figures, and charts taped to the backing paper.
• Include a brief list of references or source URLs in a bottom corner of your poster, or link to them via a QR code.
• The poster should be visually engaging and clearly communicate your research findings to the audience.

Grading

The grade for this assignment will be based on two categories:

1. Poster quality (60%). An excellent grade can be achieved by: employing engaging visual design and appropriate text, figures, and graphical elements; ensuring that all content is legible from several feet away; including content that is technically correct and has intellectual merit (with evidence of research that goes beyond the superficial); ensuring that the sophistication of the content reflects the expected level of effort (6-10 hours per student).
2. Poster presentation (40%). An excellent grade can be achieved by: presenting in a relaxed, engaging, and unhurried style; clearly defining and explaining technical terms and concepts; demonstrating that you understand the content of your poster; answering questions from the audience in a knowledgeable way; covering the key components of the research in a 3-5 minute conversation with the instructor .

Additional grading details:

• For group projects, the depth and scope of research are expected to scale with team size.
• Grading will be based on a 3–5 minute walk-through discussion with the instructor during the in-class poster session.

Use of artificial intelligence

For this assignment, you are encouraged to use artificial intelligence tools to assist in your research and poster creation. However, the final product should reflect your own understanding and analysis of the topic. The use of AI should enhance your work, not replace it.