1. Building a Model House to Withstand a Hurricane
Samantha Rogers
Lewis County High School
Abstract
Project Description
Assessment of Project
Students constructed models of homes that could withstand a simulated hurricane. This engineering project was tied into a unit that students were learning about ocean currents and the weather patterns that accompany them. This project marked the end of the unit.
Total Points Possible: 50
The challenge: Construct a model of a coastal home that can withstand the damaging wind, rain, and flooding that accompanies a hurricane.
The constraints:
Model home must be built upon stilts and have a roof
Materials given at the beginning are the only materials students have to build for the entire process.
This forced students to plan for reconstruction at the beginning of the build process.
Student materials:
One block of modeling clay
20 craft sticks
3 feet of Scotch tape
1 piece of construction paper
Teacher materials:
3 speed fan
250 mL of water for each model test
Small basin
WV NxGen Standards purpose
Structures that used more modeling clay for the joints tested better than joints made with tape
Models that were built on taller stilts were not as stable, but they kept the home from flooding
Construction paper roofing was not water resistant
The models that simulated a wind tunnel held up better against the wind.
Engineering Design Products
S.HS.ETS.3
evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics, as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.
Project Timeline
Evaluate/Reflect
53 minute periods Monday, Tuesday, Friday
90 minute block Wednesday/Thursday
Day 1-
Project was assigned
Groups were assigned (no more than 3 per group)
Students researched real hurricane damage
Students drew a rough sketch of their home
Day 2-
Students were given building materials and had the class period to construct their home
Day 3 (Block Day)-
Student models were tested in the first simulated hurricane (Hurricane Rahming)
Students were given 30 minutes of rebuild/redesign time
Student redesign models were tested in the second simulated hurricane (Hurricane Rogers)
Day 4-
Class discussion of the necessary building requirements for a real coastal home
Students discussed and recorded reflection questions included in their journals
Overall, I think that the project went very well. The students were engaged at all points, they worked well in the groups that were assigned. I do think that next time I will give more detailed constraints (size, height, etc.).
The students did surprise me with their ingenuity! I was happy with the creativity and differences that each group brought to the table. I did not see the same type of design duplicated. They were very excited to show off their own unique home.
Acknowledgements
Hurricane Simulation:
Students placed their model in the basin
Teacher pours 250 mL of water over the model to simulate rain
Teacher turns on the fan
Speed 1 for 20 seconds
Speed 2 for 20 seconds
Speed 3 for 20 seconds
Students were in charge of recording their test on the class iPad
A special thanks to my cooperating teachers and to my wonderfully creative students.