WV State Standards: Math: CM.5.2, CM.2.1, CM.2.4 National Standards:  Math: 1, 2, 6 Blooms Taxonomy: Knowledge, Comprehension, Application, Analysis, Synthesis, Evaluation 21st Century Skills: Learning and Innovation Skills  Creativity and Innovation Skills Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills Communication and Collaboration Skills Life and Career Skills Flexibility & Adaptability Productivity & Accountability

Overview:

During the 1998 Hurricane Season the State of Florida experienced several storms that damaged 7,895 homes. Building homes that could better withstand the winds from hurricanes will be a consideration in all future housing starts. Your task is to design and build the most wind resistant building using the materials provided. Your home must include at least 2,000 cubic centimeters of interior space and can be any shape. GOOD LUCK!

Objective(s):

Team Work

·         Each team of 3 students will design and construct their wind resistant house together.

·         Students will be able to list the science principles and construction ideas involved in designing a Hurricane Proof House on the Construction Team sheet (a piece of paper with all team member's names listed).

Time Required:

One or two 45 minute class periods, depending on how well the students debate their results and ideas

Pre-Requisite Skills:

Basic graphing skills, Team work skills, Math calculation skills

Internet, computer

·         Two sheets of construction paper will be used for the main construction. (You may purchase any extra sheet of paper for 5 points to be deducted from your final grade)

·         Four straws, glue stick and 6 cellophane tape pieces will be provided. A Styrofoam tray (turned upside down) will be used for the base only.

·         Leaf blower

·         Team Construction Sheet (white paper with student names and math work shown)

Day 1: pass out and discuss requirements of problem (see overview) & brainstorm

Day 2: Building you Hurricane Proof House

Build House

·         Draw the top and side view of your house.

·         Calculate the volume:

Formula for volume for a rectangular solid or cylinder is area base x height.
Formula for any cone or pyramid shape is 1/3 the volume of original shape.
Formula for a sphere is 4/3 x pi x r3 (pi - 22/7)

Day 3: Test and Grade Hurricane Proof Houses with wind blower

Safety

At any time, unsafe behavior will result in your being fired from the construction team.
(Grade = 0%)

You may only use materials provided. (see materials list)

10 points - Neatness
10 points - Use of Materials: Effective use of materials. Use as much as possible with no waste.
20 points - Design: Includes 1) top view drawing (with actual dimensions), 2) side view drawing (with actual dimensions) and 3) a list and description of the science principles you used in the design of your house.
20 points - Correct calculation of volume (Minimum of 2,000 cubic centimeters)
20 points - How it withstands the "wind".
20 points - Cooperation of the construction team: From the designing stage to building to hurricane occurrence, all team members will cooperate with each other. Each will do his/her part to make the building a success.
5 bonus points - For the team whose house withstands the MOST wind.

Differentiated Instruction:

Students can work individually or in groups depending on their individual needs.  The teacher can adjust requirements and the amount of help provided to students.

The only challenge in doing this lesson is obtaining the leaf blower.  Ask your school custodial staff, they may have one on hand.

See above Point Chart / Rubric

To test the house - a leaf blower will be turned on at 10 feet away from the house (a tropical storm) then up close (a category 1 Hurricane). The house is then exposed to the leaf blower from all sides. This is done because hurricane winds eventually hit every side of the house as it passes over.