Aka: “Building a Better World via Structures”

INTRO DUCTION:

Disasters happen in the world often and it seems that they are occurring at an increasing rate. No one in the world is immune from the effects of these disasters, although certain geographically areas are more susceptible than others. For example, the lands that surround the Pacific Ocean, referred to the “Pacific Rim,” are at a much greater risk than those that live in Florida and North Dakota.

Engineers, scientists and architects are needed to design structures that will be disaster “proof” or at least disaster “resistant.” This project will expose students the characteristics of one of the major disasters that occur on the earth. Through brainstorming, research, and the Engineering Design Process (EDP), students will develop and build a prototype of a housing structure which could be used as a model for testing against the dangerous and fatal effects of a disaster. Groups are also responsible to maintain an engineering notebook on a daily basis. This project will due in approximately 2 ½ weeks (30 mods) including the “Engineering Notebook” Video day, the “Engineering Notebook Forms” day, and the “Project Introduction Day.”

INITIAL DAY PROCEDURES:

1. Clean and Organize Lab (10 minutes).2. Clear out old contents of their engineering notebook.

(a) Save and leave in the binder the “Notes and Research” sheet with plastic protector. (b) Stack old contents in a pile and clamp with a binder clip.(c) Submit the to teacher for archiving.

3. Brainstorm and complete the “Proposal & Initial Information” form and submit it for teacher approval. This form will count as a grade with a maximum of 5 out of 35 points for your engineering notebook grade.

TYPES OF DISASTER PROOF HOUSING PROJECTS:

1. Earthquake 2. Flood 3. Hurricane 4. Other (teacher approval required)

“Disaster Proof Housing” Project

LIST OF ACCEPTABLE MATERIALS:

- Craft Foam Sheets - Card Stock - Play Doh- Toothpicks - Popsicle Sticks - Pipe Cleaners- Plastic Bottle Tops - Springs - Rubber Stoppers- Rubber Bands - Index Cards - Miscellaneous Balsa Wood pieces - Elmers® Glue - Hot Glue (No plywood or regular wood sheets)- Paint - String - Markers, crayons, etc.- Binders - Duct Tape - Aluminum Foil- Bubble Wrap - Paper Clips - Other Items (per teacher approval)

OVERA LL PLAN:

1. Project Introduction (1 class session).2. Project Videos (see below).3. Forming Groups and assigning “Jobs.”4. Background Research.5. Sharing Background Information.6. Investigating and Developing possible Solutions (Brainstorming).7. Developing and Documenting Constraints and Criteria.8. Choosing a Solution.9. Building the Prototype.

10. Testing the Prototype.11. Modifications.12. Final Test/Demonstration and Communicating the Results/Presentation.

PROJECT VIDEOS:

1. How We Design Buildings To Survive Earthquakes 3:57https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4fKBGsllZI

2. Earthquake Proof, Wind Proof and Flood Proof Houses. Is it possible? 2:11https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMRAlQhzEfA

3. HouseSmarts "Fireproof House" Episode 51 3:32https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP_z6zFLEGE

CONSTRAINTS & CRITERIA:

All prototypes (models) must meet the following specifications:

- Height between 8” and 18” (including foundation).- Footprint between 36 and 80 square inches.- It must have a roof, a door opening, and have at least 4 window openings.- It should be aesthetically pleasing and suited to the country the group is focusing on.

PROPOSAL & INITIAL INFORMATION FORM:

(Please PRINT Clearly or DOWNLOAD and TYPE as a Word Document from my webpage).

GROUP MEMBERS:

1. ____________________________________ 2. ______________________________________

3. ____________________________________4. ______________________________________

GROUP NAME (can be added later): ______________________________________________

COUNTRY & DISASTER TYPE your group has chosen:

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INITIAL PROPOSAL (What does your group plan the build – should mention specifics related to housing, architecture, lifestyle, and culture.):

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APPROVED BY: ______________________________