Overview Overview
Timeline:
4 weeks (through week after Spring Break)
Rubrics:
Remember, all research should answer why you're using that item and how it will reduce your carbon footprint.
Opening Activities
Vocabulary Search Terms
Unit Overview, Essential Question, Rubrics, and Example
Essential Question: How does our tiny house reduce the carbon footprint and make the world more sustainable?
How does (card topic) apply to our tiny house/what specific things am I going to do in the house design on this topic?
Your Task:
Your team must design an actual tiny house. The designs can be builit, drawn with 3-d plans, ect. Designs must be in color, clearly labeled, and must address each of the things listed to the side and below. Accompanying the design must be a brief (1 page typed) explanation of why your house design is the one that needs to be picked by our mayor. Your plan must address energy and environmental concerns, and you must be able to back your plan with research. You must also think of things like access to the house, items in the house, lawns/yards, etc. The winning plan will be invited to a business luncheon of the design team’s choice to celebrate their design.
Remember, all research should answer why you're using that item and how it will reduce your carbon footprint.
Research Rules: In It TO Win IT:
Each person must use at least one database/online encyclopedia article, and a minimum of 2 sources per person total. Each person may only use provided websites or websites preapproved by a teacher. Websites must be based in Science and must be from reputable sources with as little bias as possible. Also, remember books are your friend and were ordered for this project...HINT, HINT! May the best team win.
Your Roles
Green George or Georgina: While you understand the concerns of the community, you realize every budget has a bottom. You believe that land and building development can still be ecologically friendly. You are looking at green architecture and sustainable design. This includes all building materials, insulation, roofs, appliances, paint, and furniture. You realize that even though your house is tiny, it still needs to use an eco-friendly design.
Habitat Harry or Harriet: You are concerned about how this community will affect the environment. You are particularly interested in wildlife habitat, ecosystems, agriculture and organic farming, and environmental pollutants. You are interested in plants that are natural to your environment so that they don't need pesticides. You are also interested in composting, good insects, water conservation, etc. You don’t care how much things cost. The environment is worth the extra expense and you want the land to be used to make your community both beautiful and self-sufficient.
Energy Ed or Edna: You are concerned about energy sources and want to be sure that your community development is doing all it can about energy use and consumption. You are looking at transportation issues as well as nonrenewable and renewable resources. You realize that some of your ideas may be a hard sell but you are determined that if you can show the long-term benefits of your plan, people will be persuaded. You want this community to be on the cutting edge of recycling and landfill issues. You also are aware, however, that money is the bottom line and you are determined to show how state of the art technology and community education will save the environment and still be cost effective. Finally, water conservation is your jam!
Weather Wilber or Wilhelmina: Your are concerned with conserving energy in your home based on where you live. You are looking at window-proofing, weather stripping, heating and cooling, etc. In addition, you are looking at weather conditions and designing appropriate shelters based on your needs.
Technology Tom or Thomisina: You are all about the smart technology that will help your home conserve energy and more eco-friendly. You are looking at smart design in both big and small items. You may also want to look at specific solar and other gadgets that conserve energy.
