OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A teacher at Marian High School in Omaha has challenged his senior sociology class to learn about homelessness by spending a night in a car.

Teacher Tom Baker’s assignment is part of the homelessness and poverty unit in his class. Baker says it was a way for students to experience the reality of being homeless on a regular basis in a simplistic way.

Baker’s students were allowed to sleep in cars in their garage or driveways and have their phones or car alarm in case of an emergency, as well as a pillow, blanket and water. They were urged not to turn on the heat or air conditioning. Students had a two-week window in October to compete the assignment.

Students had to write a reflection paper about their experience and there was a class discussion after the assignment.