Living Machines utilize complex biological ecosystems to purify wastewater, sewage and even sludge! This hands-on class steps you through the principles of Living Machine design as developed by Dr. John Todd and co-workers at Ocean Arks International (www.oceanarks.org), application of these design principles to various real-life situations, and construction of a scale model functioning Living Machine. Field trips to various relevant locations, including the UAJA wastewater treatment facility, the Julian Woods Living Machine and Evapotranspiration Greenhouse, and the Millbrook Marsh.

Description: We’ll be focusing on the design, construction and assessment of a scale model Living Machine - biological ecysystems designed for wastewater treatment using natural materials and processes in place of chemicals which pollute, waste and degrade the environemnt. Our primary goal is to design a scale model of the Living Machine to be installed in the Old Botany Building’s greenhouse, which will be reconstructed as the Senior Class Gift of 2000. We also wish to examine Living Machines in a larger context, consider its applications for use in the Nittany Valley at various sites, and examine related fields including permaculture design, natural building materials, composting toilets, constructed wetlands, and biointensive growing methods as it pertains to plant and soil health, and to the health of ecosystems.

“It’s so beautiful, and it doesn’t stink!”

Prerequisites: a willingness to learn about green “eco” technologies, to participate in cooperative team projects and to get your hands dirty!

Register for STS497 C: Registration # 733899