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Living On/Off the Grid
Webster University, Spring 2020
A University Science hybrid course- the first 5 weeks are online, with the culmination of a one week intensive in Taos, NM. Students learn about the concepts of on-grid systems within traditional homes; how do these buildings supply water, process waste, generate power and maintain thermal comfort? The students then spend a week living off the grid in Taos where they learn about alternative sustainable systems including black water, grey water, solar power, thermal mass, catch water, in off-grid homes.
The final projects demonstrate the student’s assessment (paper or short video)that addresses the cultural differences of off-the-grid living based on their experience living in an off-the-grid home, their interactions with people who live off the grid and any additional outside research. How does the off-the-grid culture differ from their own in terms its history, values, politics, communication styles, economy, belief and practices and why?
Building walls in an Off-grid Earthship Home
“Alix- What an incredible week!
Thank you so deeply for opening up your home town to us with such warm hospitality. I thing we can all say we’re returning home shaped in new ways with clearer eyes for the world, and that is all thanks to you sharing your life so generously with us. It’s been a week full of beautiful sights, incredible people, poop jokes and lots of laughter- we are so grateful!”
