Wall Wizards: Crafting Safe, Green Spaces

High School Grade

Project
2 weeks

Wall Wizards: Crafting Safe, Green Spaces

Joshua N Wood

Purpose

This project engages high school students in a hands-on learning experience where they collaboratively build a wall with a window, integrating principles of safety, energy efficiency, and sustainability. Through partnerships with local architecture firms and construction supply companies, students gain real-world insights and access to diverse materials, enhancing their understanding of construction techniques. The project culminates in a presentation where students showcase their wall, demonstrating their ability to apply learned skills and knowledge in a practical context.

Learning goals

Students will learn to identify and apply the key steps and considerations for constructing a safe and energy-efficient wall with a window. They will explore the impact of different materials and construction techniques on the durability and sustainability of the structure. Additionally, students will develop collaborative skills by planning and executing the project as a team, with each member taking on specific roles and responsibilities.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSG.CO.D.12: Make formal geometric constructions with a variety of tools and methods.
NGSS - HS-ETS1-2: Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1: Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

Products

Students will collaboratively design and construct a scale model of a wall with a window, incorporating energy-efficient features. They will document their process through a digital portfolio, capturing design sketches, material selections, and construction techniques. Additionally, students will create a presentation to showcase their model and findings, highlighting the impact of their chosen materials and techniques on sustainability and durability.

Launch

Kick off the project with a hands-on workshop led by a local architect, where students collaboratively design a basic blueprint for a wall with a window. During this session, students will explore different materials and construction techniques through interactive stations, allowing them to touch and compare samples. This immersive experience will set the stage for understanding the project's essential questions and foster excitement for the upcoming construction activities.

Exhibition

Students will showcase their constructed wall with a window during a community open house event, inviting peers, teachers, and community partners to observe and evaluate their work. Each student team will present a brief overview of their design process, materials chosen, and energy efficiency considerations, highlighting the practical application of their learning. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with students through Q&A sessions, allowing students to articulate their understanding and receive feedback.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Activity 1: Kick-off Workshop - Participate in a hands-on workshop led by a local architect. Each student team will collaboratively design a basic blueprint for a wall with a window, focusing on safety and energy efficiency.	Activity 2: Material Exploration - Visit a construction supply company to explore various materials. Students will handle and compare samples, discussing properties and sustainability aspects of each material.	Activity 3: Role Assignment and Planning - Students will divide into teams and assign specific roles such as project manager, materials coordinator, and safety officer. Each team will create a detailed construction plan outlining steps, materials needed, and safety measures.	Activity 4: Initial Design Sketches - Based on the blueprint and material exploration, students will create initial design sketches, incorporating feedback from their team and workshop insights. They will focus on integrating energy-efficient features.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Completed Team Blueprint - A collaboratively designed blueprint for the wall with a window, annotated with safety and energy efficiency considerations. 2. Deliverable 2: Material Selection Report - A report documenting the materials chosen, including reasons for selection based on durability, sustainability, and efficiency.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Coordinate with the local architect for the workshop, ensuring they understand the learning objectives and provide necessary materials for the session. 2. Prep Task 2: Arrange a visit to the construction supply company, coordinating logistics and ensuring access to a variety of materials for student exploration. 3. Prep Task 3: Prepare and distribute role assignment guidelines and templates for team planning, ensuring all students have a clear understanding of their responsibilities. 4. Prep Task 4: Gather resources on energy-efficient construction techniques and provide access to design software or drawing tools for students to use in sketching.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4
Activities	Activity 1: Construction Phase - Execute the construction plan by building the wall with a window. Each team member will fulfill their assigned roles, ensuring safety protocols are followed and energy-efficient features are integrated.	Activity 2: Quality Assurance and Adjustment - Inspect the constructed wall for alignment with the blueprint and energy efficiency standards. Make necessary adjustments and document any changes made.	Activity 3: Documentation and Reflection - Create a digital portfolio showcasing the construction process, including design sketches, materials used, and construction techniques. Reflect as a team on the challenges faced and how they were overcome.	Activity 4: Presentation Preparation - Prepare for the final presentation by organizing the digital portfolio, rehearsing the presentation, and assigning speaking roles within the team. Focus on conveying the design process, material choices, and energy efficiency considerations.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Constructed Wall with Window - A completed wall incorporating energy-efficient features, built according to the team's blueprint. 2. Deliverable 2: Digital Portfolio - A comprehensive collection of the project documentation, including initial sketches, material selections, construction photos, and reflections. 3. Deliverable 3: Final Presentation - A presentation delivered by the student teams during the community open house, highlighting the wall's design process and energy efficiency considerations.
Preparation	1. Prep Task 1: Ensure all necessary construction tools and materials are available and organized for the construction phase. 2. Prep Task 2: Arrange for a safety inspection to ensure that all safety protocols are followed during the construction process. 3. Prep Task 3: Provide access to digital tools and platforms for portfolio creation, ensuring students can document their process effectively. 4. Prep Task 4: Coordinate with community partners to confirm attendance at the final presentation event and prepare the space for the open house.