Sustainability Education Handbook Sample Activities

Architecture:

Theme: (K-8) Construct buildings using found and simple materials.

Goal: Choose two periods from history (one ancient and one modern), examine and compare one specific structure (building or bridge) built in each time period, discuss the similarities and differences of each and possible influences, create a new structure combining the ancient and the modern designs, and analyze strengths and weaknesses of the new structure. Study the concepts of support, façade, decoration. Research recycled and new, green, building materials and list the pros and cons of each. Research recycled and new technology building materials.

Standards / MEAP:

»English Language Arts: IX.11.1 (Inquiry & Research), X.12.1 (Critical Standards)

» Social Studies: I.2.2 (Time & Chronology), V.1.1 (Inquiry)

» Mathematics: II.1.4, II.1.7, II.3.5, II.3.6 (Geometry & Measurement)

» Science: III.EE.5.5, III.LE.5.6 (Use Scientific Knowledge from the Life Sciences in Real-World Contexts)

Curriculum:

» Box City (4-8)

Contact: Center for Understanding our Built Environment (CUBE), Ginny Graves

913-262-8222 or www.cubekc.org

$30.00

ISBN: 0-9632033-1-2

Websites:

» Interface

Goal: (9-12) Choose one modern building that is a "green building" (Environmental Studies Bldg at Oberlin College, The Gap Building in California, Arcosanti in Arizona by Paolo Soleri, solar homes, earth sheltered homes). Study various recycled and alternative building materials (carpet, flooring). Design and build a model structure that would be a healthy, human habitat----develop criteria for defining "healthy": natural lighting, type of energy, use of plants, indoor garden, etc.

Standards / MEAP:

»English Language Arts: IX.11.1,2,3 (Inquiry & Research)

» Social Studies: II.2.2, II.5.2 (Geographic Perspectives), IV.2.2, IV. 2.4, IV.4.1 (Economic Perspective), V.2.1 V.2.2 (Inquiry), VII.1.2 (Citizen Involvement)

» Mathematics: III. 1.4, III.2.1, III.2.4, III.2.5, III.3.3 (Data Analysis), IV.2.4 (Number Sense & Numeration)

» Science: IV.1.5, IV.1.6 (Use Scientific Knowledge from the Physical Sciences in Real-World Contexts)

Curriculum / Reading:

Natural Step

Websites:

»Affordable Comfort, Inc.

» ASE

» Interface

» Office of Building Technology

» Whole Building Design Guide