Unit Overview

Youth use the Engineering Design Process to design a model home that remains at a constant temperature regardless of the temperature outside.

  • Grades 6–8
  • Setting: Out of school
  • Science connection: Energy
  • 8 activities
  • 50–60 Minutes per activity

Standards alignment

We’ve developed each EiE unit with careful attention to educational standards in both science and technology/engineering. View Standards Alignments.

Unit Map

Youth are introduced to engineering as they work in teams to engineer a transportation tank for a model frozen woolly mammoth.

Youth learn about technology through a match game and imagine ways to improve a technology.

Youth create model shipping container homes that they will insulate later in the unit.

Youth test a variety of insulation materials.

Youth imagine floor plan designs for shipping container homes.

Youth begin to insulate their model shipping container homes.

Youth improve their insulation designs.

Youth communicate their work with visitors.

Videos

Special Report Video

Introduces the field of green engineering by touring a home to see how an engineer added insulation to use less energy for heating AND cooling. Use throughout the unit. (9:09)

What's Included?

  • Educator Guide (PDF)
  • Engineering Journal (PDF)
  • Special Report Video (YouTube)
  • Print Materials (PDF)