This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This web site reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Subject taught
- Technology
Link
https://www.teachengineering.org/activities/view/a_house_for_me
Type of Product
- Articles
- Exercises
- Lesson Plans
- Web Site/Portal
Language Skills Developed
- Interaction
- Listening
- Reading
- Speaking
- Writing
Transferable/Scientific Skills Developed
Students will develop analytical skills, critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills.
Description
Students brainstorm and discuss the different types of materials used to build houses in various climates. They build small models of houses and test them in different climate (work in small groups).
The general aims are to develop the observation skills and the ability to make connections and suppositions. To be able to be engaged in team work. To acquire and interpret information in a critic way through different contexts.
Subject specific aims:
• The impact climates have on the building of structures
• Details about several types of climates
• Basic structural design
• Basic experimental skills
Linguistic aims:
- to listen English with ease
- to understand content
- to learn from written texts
- to express opinion
- to enable students to understand topic correctly
- to translate English words into the mother tongue using their own words.
This task is aimed at students of 11-12 years old.
Level of competence in English (CEFR): A2
Time required to use the resource with the students: 1 hours 15 minutes: 45 minutes for building and 30 minutes for testing.
How to use it: teacher tells about house contruction and materials due to climate conditions in living teritory (additional materials links for houses examples and pictures are given), uses topic related definitions (vocabulary).
Teacher presents the Engineering Design Challenge:
1. Have the class think about why people need houses, what materials are needed to build a house, and what the various parts of a house include.
2. Pair students and have each team choose an environment where the students want their house built. Have students figure out what type of climate their house must be able to handle in that environment. Instruct them to design and sketch a house to withstand that climate.
3. Have each group to present their concept to the rest of the class. Have the class comment and make suggestions on each other's ideas.
Build:
4. Have the groups build their designs with the available materials. Have students construct their houses on an 8.5 x 11 piece of paper with a grid printed on it.
5. Estimate the area of the house by counting the squares.
Test:
6. Test the houses against the elements that would be appropriate for the climate they built their houses to withstand.
7. Compare each of the groups' houses and discuss what materials are needed in different climates.
For final evaluation teacher uses the attached rubric to evaluate student teams' success in three areas: quality of design and construction, performance of house against climate tests, and demonstrated understanding of concepts.
Teacher should show students the rubric criteria in advance to clarify the grading process.
Possible difficulties for the students: students who have poor knowledge of English may have difficulties to understand the content.