Home Foundations Teacher Guide Home Foundations
Lesson 1: What Makes a Home?
Time: 60 Minutes
Unit: Housing & Interior Design
Learning Target
I can identify basic human housing needs and explore different types of homes around the world.
Materials Needed
Dream Home Blueprint Worksheet
Home Foundations Slides
Colored pencils/markers
Printed world home photos (for Gallery Walk)
Chart paper & markers
Lesson Pacing
0-10 min
Warm-up: Students sketch their "Dream Home" blueprint on the provided worksheet.
10-20 min
Anchor Discussion: Brainstorming what all homes must have (Shelter, Safety, Comfort).
20-45 min
World Home Gallery Walk: Small groups rotate to observe different housing types and record observations.
45-55 min
Class Synthesis: Creating a "Housing Needs" anchor chart as a whole group.
55-60 min
Wrap-up: Exit Ticket completion.
Teacher Facilitation Script
I. The Dream Home (Warm-up)
"Good morning designers! Today we are starting a journey into the spaces we inhabit every day: our homes. Before we look at what makes a house 'functional,' I want to see what your imagination can do. You have 5 minutes to sketch your ultimate 'Dream Home.' Don't worry about budgets or physics—if you want a room that is just a giant trampoline, draw it! Go!"
II. Defining "Home" (Discussion)
"Your dream homes are incredible. I see pools, movie theaters, and even a house shaped like a shoe! But let's look at the roots. If we took away the trampoline rooms and the chocolate fountains, what are the three things that EVERY home in the world must provide for a human?"
PROMPT FOR ANSWERS:
Shelter: Protection from elements (rain, sun, wind).Safety: A place where you feel secure and protected from danger.Comfort: A place to rest, eat, and feel at peace.
III. World Gallery Walk
"We are going to go on a 'World Tour' right here in the classroom. At each station, you'll see a photo of a different type of home—from yurts in Mongolia to high-rise apartments in New York. With your partner, I want you to look for how that specific home provides those three things: Shelter, Safety, and Comfort. What materials did they use? Why might it look that way?"
Teacher Tip:
Encourage students to notice the environment in the photos. Does the roof look steep? Maybe it snows there! Is it made of thick mud? It might be very hot outside.
IV. Anchor Chart & Reflection
"As we build our 'Housing Needs' anchor chart, what was one material you saw used that surprised you? ... Great! Now, for your exit ticket, I want you to list the three essentials we discussed and explain in your own words why they are vital for any human being."
Home Foundations Slides Home Foundations
What Makes a Home?
Unit 3: Housing & Interior Design
Today's Target
"I can identify basic housing needs and explore different types of homes."
The Dream Home
Unleash your inner architect!
5:00
Instructions:
1 Grab your "Dream Home" worksheet.
2 Sketch your layout.
3 Add 5 unique features!
"Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness." — Frank Gehry
Core Housing Needs
Shelter
Protection from sun, rain, and snow.
Safety
Security for people and possessions.
Comfort
Space for rest, food, and family.
World Home Tour
Observe how these homes provide Shelter, Safety, and Comfort:
Mongolian Yurt (Portable)
New York High-Rise (Vertical)
Tropical Stilt House (Flood-Ready)
Portability
Insulation
Cooling
Stability
Exit Ticket
List the 3 essentials every home must have and write ONE sentence for each explaining why it is important.
Dream Home Blueprint Worksheet Dream Home Blueprint
Housing & Interior Design | Activity 1.1
Designer:
Date:
Sketch your ultimate layout below. Label at least 5 unique features (gym, theater, etc).
Blueprint Grid
Essential Check:
Shelter (Protection):
Safety (Security):
Comfort (Peace):
Location Notes:
Where is this home built? Why did you pick that environment?
Home Essentials Exit Ticket Home Essentials
EXIT TICKET
NAME
DATE
List the 3 essentials every home must provide and explain in one sentence why each is vital for humans.
1
2
3
Unit 3: Housing & Interior Design Lesson 1: Exit Ticket
Green Blueprint Teacher Guide Green Blueprint
Lesson 2: Introduction to Green Building
Time: 60 Minutes
Unit: Housing & Interior Design
Learning Target
I can identify sustainable building features and explain how they help the environment.
Materials Needed
Green Blueprint Slides
"Sustainable Spaces" Reading Passage
Green Scavenger Hunt Sheet
Eco-Friendly Features Matching Worksheet
Video (e.g., "What is a Green Building?")
Lesson Pacing
0-10 min
Introduction: Video and hook. Define "Sustainability" as a class.
10-25 min
Expert Reading: Partners read "Sustainable Spaces" and identify 3 key vocabulary terms.
25-45 min
Green Scavenger Hunt: Students search for "green features" in provided photos or around a specific school zone.
45-55 min
Vocabulary Wall: Adding Sustainability, Renewable Energy, and Energy Efficiency to the wall.
55-60 min
Assessment: Features Matching Worksheet.
Teacher Facilitation Script
I. The Big Idea (Hook)
"Yesterday we talked about how a home keeps us safe and comfortable. But today, we're asking a bigger question: How does a home keep the EARTH safe? When we talk about 'Green Building,' we don't mean painting the walls green. We mean building in a way that lasts forever without hurting our environment. That's called sustainability."
II. Sustainable Spaces (Reading)
"With your shoulder partner, you are going to dive into a reading passage. Your mission is to find the definitions for three big 'Eco-Words': Sustainability, Renewable Energy, and Energy Efficiency. As you read, circle any features you'd want in your own future house."
III. Scavenger Hunt
"Now, it's time to put your detective hats on. I have placed images of green building features around the room (or in your packets). Your job is to find them, name them, and explain why they are 'green.' For example, if you find a photo of a solar panel, why is that better for the earth than getting electricity from a coal plant?"
IV. Vocab Wall & Matching
"Before we assess, let's add our three key terms to the unit vocabulary wall. Who can give me a 6th-grade level definition for 'Energy Efficiency' based on what we read? ... Excellent. Now, to finish up today, we're going to see if you can match the feature to the benefit. Think of this like a puzzle—how does a thick window help save the forest?"
Green Blueprint Slides Green Blueprint
Designing for the Future
Sustainability & Green Building
Eco-Friendly Living
Sustainability
Meeting our needs today without preventing future generations from meeting theirs.
Use less energy.
Reduce waste.
"The best way to predict the future is to design it."
Sustainable Spaces
Expert Reading
Mission 1
Read with your partner. Circle words you don't know.
Mission 2
Find definitions for:1. Sustainability 2. Renewable 3. Efficiency
Mission 3
Highlight 2 "Green Features" you think are the coolest!
Green Hunt
Use your scavenger hunt sheet to find 6 Eco-Features in the room.
🔎 Find It
Look at the photos around the room.
💡 Explain It
Why does this feature help the Earth?
Adding to the Vocab Wall...
Sustainability
Doing things today so that the Earth stays healthy for the kids of the future.
Renewable Energy
Power that never runs out, like the wind or the sun.
Energy Efficiency
Doing the same job with less power (like using an LED bulb).
Sustainable Spaces Reading Sustainable Spaces
Science & Design | Level: Grade 6
The Earth-Friendly Home
In the world of architecture, "green" means sustainable . Sustainability is the idea that we should use our resources—like water, wood, and energy—carefully. If we use them too fast, there won't be enough left for people in the future.
Renewable Energy
Green buildings use power from sources that never run out, like the wind or the sun. Solar panels can turn sunshine directly into electricity for the home!
Energy Efficiency
A green building also saves power. Efficient homes use thick insulation in the walls and double-pane windows to keep heat from escaping in winter.
Cool Eco-Features
Rain Barrels: Collect water from the roof to water gardens, saving clean drinking water.
Recycled Wood: Using wood from old barns instead of cutting down new trees.
Designer Brainstorm:
Which of these features is the most important for your future home? Why?
Green Scavenger Hunt Sheet Green Scavenger Hunt
Identifying Sustainable Features
Eco-Detective Unit
TEAM NAME
STATION #
Solar Power
How it helps the earth:
Rain Collection
How it helps the earth:
Wall Insulation
How it helps the earth:
LED Lighting
How it helps the earth:
Bonus Discovery:
What was one feature you found that you had NEVER heard of before? Describe it below.
Eco-Friendly Features Matching Eco-Matching Challenge
Sustainability Assessment
NAME: ___________________________
DATE: ___________________________
Match the Sustainable Feature on the left to its Environmental Benefit on the right.
1. Solar Panels
A. Prevents wasting clean drinking water.
2. Wall Insulation
B. Creates clean energy from sunlight.
3. Rain Barrel
C. Traps heat so the furnace runs less.
4. LED Light Bulbs
D. Keeps trash out of landfills.
5. Recycled Materials
E. Uses way less electricity for lighting.
Designer Insight:
Explain why a home with "Energy Efficiency" is good for BOTH a family's bank account AND the environment.
Teacher Answer Key
Eco-Matching Assessment
Correct Sequence
→ B (Solar Panels & Solar Energy)
→ C (Wall Insulation & Heat Trap)
→ A (Rain Barrel & Water Conservation)
→ E (LED & Lower Electricity)
→ D (Recycled & Landfills)
Inclusive Spaces Teacher Guide Inclusive Spaces
Lesson 3: Universal Design
Day 3 of Unit
Unit: Housing & Interior Design
Learning Target
I can recognize design features that make homes accessible and functional for people with different physical abilities.
Materials Needed
Inclusive Spaces Slides
Crutches, Blindfolds, Tape (to restrict fingers)
Accessibility Simulation Log
Simulation Alternatives
If specialized equipment is unavailable, use office chairs for mobility challenges, masking tape to tape students' "dominant hand" fingers together to simulate limited dexterity, or have students wear heavy winter gloves while trying to open door knobs.
Lesson Pacing
0-10 min
Barrier Hook: Classroom door challenge.
10-35 min
Barrier Quest: Small group simulations.
35-50 min
Solutions: Discussing ramps, levers, and widths.
50-60 min
Assessment: 'Inclusive Home Check' handout.
Teacher Facilitation Script
I. The Hidden Barriers (Hook)
"Class, imagine you are carrying three heavy bags of groceries AND you can't use your fingers. Is it still easy to open this door? Today we're exploring Universal Design—the idea that a home should work for EVERYONE, regardless of age or ability."
II. The Simulation (Activity)
"We are going to experience barriers firsthand. In teams of three: One person is the 'Navigator' (simulated ability), one is the 'Safety Guide,' and one is the 'Recorder.' Switch roles every 5 minutes. Pay attention to heights, widths, and handles."
III. Universal Solutions
"Look at our slides. A ramp isn't just for wheelchairs; it's for parents with strollers too. Lever handles are easier for everyone. This is called 'Universal Design' because it makes life better for every body."
IV. Wrap-up
"Housing is a human service. If a person can't live comfortably because of design, we have a job to do. Let's finish with our 'Inclusive Home Check' assessment to see how your thinking has changed."
Inclusive Spaces Slides Inclusive Spaces
Designing for Every Body
Universal Design & Accessibility
Today's Target
"I can recognize design features that make homes accessible for people with different abilities."
Accessibility
The degree to which an environment is available to as many people as possible.
Universal Design
Designing things so they are usable by everyone without needing special adaptation.
Barrier Quest
Activity Time
Blindfold Walk
Navigate using only verbal cues from your guide.
Seated Reach
Try to open a high cabinet without ever standing up.
The Narrow Path
Use crutches to move. Where does it feel too tight?
Accessibility Simulation Log Barrier Quest Log
Accessibility Simulation Activity
TEAM RECORD
NAVIGATOR
SAFETY GUIDE
RECORDER
Challenge Type What was difficult? Ideas for Improvement Vision Challenge
(Blindfold) | | |
|
Mobility: Seated
(No standing) | | |
|
Mobility: Crutches
(Space/Width) | | |
Surprising Discovery
What is ONE thing you usually find easy that was suddenly very hard today?
Universal Win
Name a feature that would help BOTH someone in a wheelchair AND a parent with a heavy stroller.
Inclusive Home Check Assessment Inclusive Home Check
Universal Design Assessment
NAME: ___________________________
DATE: ___________________________
1 Definition Drop
Why is "Universal Design" better than just fixing a home for one specific person?
2 Feature & Function
Identify 3 features and explain who they help.
Feature Name
Who & How does it help?
Feature Name
Who & How does it help?
Feature Name
Who & How does it help?
Challenge Question:
Which room in a house do you think is hardest to design for everyone? Why?
Climate Craft Teacher Guide Climate Craft
Lesson 4: Local Resources and Climate
Time: 60 Minutes
Unit: Housing & Interior Design
Learning Target
I can identify how local climate and available materials affect the design and construction of homes.
Materials Needed
Climate Craft Slides
Material Samples: wood, stone, brick, clay/mud
Global Home Comparison Worksheet
Teacher Prep
Prepare 4 material sample bags per table (Wood, Stone, Brick, Mud/Clay).
Load 'Climate Craft' slides to Slide 3 for the Global Comparison images.
Research 1 local building material used in your specific county to share.
Lesson Pacing
0-15 min
Climate Hook: Weather patterns and local material hook.
15-35 min
Global Comparison: Small group global home study using worksheets.
35-50 min
Resource Inventory: Hands-on exploration of local material samples.
50-60 min
Final Wrap-up: Connection check assessment and reflection.
Teacher Facilitation Script
I. Location & Climate (Hook)
"Class, if we built a house right here in our community, would we use blocks of ice? No! Why? Because it would melt or crumble in our local weather. Igloos are brilliant, but they only work in the Arctic. Today, we're exploring why 'where you build' is just as important as 'what you build.'"
II. Global Home Comparison
"Look at these four homes on the screen. Using your worksheet:Step 1: Pick one feature that looks 'strange' (like tiny windows or stilts).Step 2: Explain how that feature fights the weather (sun, rain, or wind).Step 3: Record it. Let's see who can find the smartest climate trick!"
III. Resource Inventory (The Hands-On Activity)
"Now, let's touch the building blocks of our town. Pass around the samples of wood, stone, brick, and mud.
Step 1: The Touch Test. Which material feels coolest? Which feels most 'local' to you?Step 2: The Origin Check. Mark 'LOCAL' on your worksheet for any material found within 50 miles. If it travels 1,000 miles, it's not 'green' for us!Step 3: Durability. If a major storm hit our town tomorrow, which material would you trust most for your walls? Discuss and record."
IV. Final Wrap-up
"To finish, imagine you are a design consultant for a new family. Give them 3 tips for building a home in our town based on our climate and these local materials. Be specific about roofs and walls!"
Climate Craft Slides Climate Craft
Designing for the Environment
Local Resources & Climate Design
The Design Mystery
Why don't all houses
Climate
Weather Patterns
Resources
Local Materials
Climate Clues
Desert
Thick walls to keep heat out. Small windows to block glare.
Arctic
Rounded shapes to block wind. Heavy snow insulation.
Tropical
Houses on stilts. Sloped roofs for heavy rain drainage.
Temperate
Fireplaces for winters. Large porches for warm summers.
Global Home Comparison Worksheet Global Home Comparison
Climate-Specific Housing Design
RESEARCH TEAM LOG
Examine the projected photos. How did the designers respond to their environment?
1. Desert Home
Key Design Feature:
Climate Connection:
2. Arctic Igloo
Key Design Feature:
Climate Connection:
3. Stilt House
Key Design Feature:
Climate Connection:
4. Cottage
Key Design Feature:
Climate Connection:
The Climate Swap
"What happens if you move a Desert Home to a Rainy Tropical Climate ? Which specific design feature would FAIL and why?"
Powering Homes Teacher Guide Powering Homes
Lesson 5: Energy Efficiency
Time: 60 Minutes
Unit: Housing & Interior Design
Learning Target
I can explore renewable energy and understand how energy efficiency saves resources in the home through insulation.
Materials Needed
Powering Homes Slides
"Home Energy Heroes" Reading
Ice cubes (4 per group) & Insulation: Newspaper, foam, foil, cotton
Insulation Investigation Lab Sheet
Teacher Prep
Prepare ice cube kits: 4 identical cubes in a small cooler per team.
Pre-cut 4x4 inch squares of insulation materials (Newspaper, Foam, Foil, Cotton).
Have a solar calculator or small solar car ready for the "Solar Sparks" demo.
Lesson Pacing
0-10 min
Solar Sparks Hook: Demo with a solar calculator/car.
10-25 min
Expert Reading: Partners read "Home Energy Heroes" (Student Handout 5.1).
25-50 min
The Great Ice Melt: Controlled experiment testing four insulating materials.
50-60 min
Final Task: Efficiency Assessment and custom design sketch.
Teacher Facilitation Script
I. Solar Sparks (Hook)
"Class, look at this calculator. It has NO batteries, yet it's working! How? It's capturing the light in this room. If we can power this small tool with light, why can't we power our whole house? Today we look at how homes make their own power and, more importantly, how they stop wasting it."
II. Home Energy Heroes (Reading)
"Open your 'Home Energy Heroes' Reading . With your partner, find the two main 'Superpowers': 'Generation' (making energy) and 'Efficiency' (keeping energy). Circle the Superpower you think saves a homeowner the most money over 10 years."
III. The Great Ice Melt (Experiment)
"It’s experiment time! Our ice cubes are our 'homes'. We need to see which 'wall material' protects them best from the outside heat.
Step 1: Prep. Grab your Insulation Investigation Lab Sheet . Each team has four ice cubes and four materials: newspaper, foam, foil, and cotton.Step 2: The Wrap. Wrap each ice cube tightly with ONE of the materials. No double-wrapping!Step 3: The Wait. We leave these for 15 minutes. This is our 'Summer Day' simulation.Step 4: Reveal. Unwrap and see which cube is the largest. Record your winner.Rule: DO NOT touch the ice! Your body heat will ruin the test."
Powering Homes Slides Powering Homes
Energy & Efficiency
Unit 3: Lesson 5
Today's Target
"I can explore renewable energy options and understand how insulation makes a home efficient."
Power Play
Generation
Making your own power using renewable sources (Sun, Wind, Water).
Efficiency
Saving the power you have by using smart design and insulation.
The Great Ice Melt
15:00
"Your mission: Stop the heat from melting your ice cube!"
1. Foam
2. Cotton
3. Foil
4. Newspaper
Insulation Fact:
Insulation doesn't make things cold. It traps the temperature you already have!
Energy Saver Challenge
Design ONE energy-efficient feature for a home.
"Sketch it on your assessment sheet and explain why it will save the homeowner money!"
Home Energy Heroes Reading Home Energy Heroes
Housing & Energy Unit | Lesson 5
The Power of Nature
In the Human Services field, making homes affordable is vital. One way is through renewable energy . Sources like the sun, wind, and the earth's natural heat never run dry. Solar panels capture tiny packets of light called photons and turn them into electricity. Geothermal systems use liquid-filled pipes buried deep underground where it is always about 55°F, helping to heat and cool the house for very little cost.
Solar
Light to Electricity
Wind
Breeze to Power
Geothermal
Earth's Core Heat
The Invisible Hero: Insulation
Making energy is great, but energy efficiency —saving what you already have—is even better. The most important hero is insulation . Insulation is measured by an R-Value . The higher the R-value, the better the material resists heat flow. Fiberglass (made of tiny glass fibers) and cellulose (recycled newspaper) are common types. A well-insulated home keeps expensive warm air inside during winter and blocks the sun's baking heat in the summer.
Hero Check-In:
Why is a house with solar panels but poor insulation like a "bucket with a hole in it"?
Insulation Investigation Lab Insulation Investigation
Lab Report: Thermal Barriers
ENERGY LAB 5.1
SCIENTISTS
DATE
ROOM TEMP
Our Hypothesis:
"If we wrap our ice cube in ____________________, it will melt slowest because..."
Wall Material Start Volume Final Volume Observations Newspaper Foam Wrap Aluminum Foil Cotton
Lab Winner:
Why did it work best?
Home Design Link:
Which of these should we use in an attic to save money? Why?
Energy Saver Design Task Energy Saver Design
Efficiency Assessment
NAME: ___________________________
DATE: ___________________________
1 Efficiency vs. Generation
Explain the difference between Generating energy and being Efficient.
2 The Efficiency Sketch
Sketch Area
Feature Name:
How it works:
The Bank Account Connection:
If a family adds solar panels AND insulation, what happens to their monthly energy bill? Why?
Water Waste Solutions Teacher Guide Water and Waste
Lesson 6: Sustainable Solutions
Time: 60 Minutes
Unit: Housing & Interior Design
Learning Target
I can identify ways homes can conserve water and manage waste sustainably through systems like greywater and composting.
Materials Needed
Water and Waste Slides
Water Usage Calculator worksheet
1-Gallon Jug (for demonstration)
Community Action Plan (Lesson 10 Prep)
Preparation
Fill a 1-gallon jug with water to show students the unit of measurement.
Review the 'Greywater Diagram' on Slide 4 to explain the pipe diversion.
Ensure every student has the 'Water Usage Calculator' handout.
Lesson Pacing
0-10 min
Water Brainstorm: Hook using the gallon jug. Estimating daily usage.
10-25 min
Usage Calculation: Independent/Partner work on footprint math.
25-45 min
System Exploration: Slideshow on greywater and composting mechanics.
45-60 min
Firm Reflection: Discussing how firms will handle water in their designs.
Teacher Facilitation Script
I. The Invisible Flow (Hook)
"Class, look at this 1-gallon jug. How many of these do you think you use in a single day? The average American uses about 80 to 100 gallons per day! Where is all that water going? Today we're going to track our usage and look at how smart home design can catch water and reuse it."
II. Usage Calculation
"Take out your Water Usage Calculator . Be honest! Did you leave the tap running while brushing? How long was that shower? Multiply your activities by the 'Gallon Cost' to find your daily total. Share your biggest 'water hog' activity with your partner."
III. Greywater & Composting
"Water from your shower or sink is called Greywater . In a green home, we can filter this and use it to flush toilets or water the lawn. And for food waste? Instead of a trash can, we use a Compost Bin . These systems help keep communities sustainable."
IV. Wrap-up
"As you prepare for the Design Challenge starting tomorrow, think about your client's scenario. Will they need a greywater system to save money? Will they have space for a compost bin? Make a note on your firm's idea list."
Water Waste Solutions Slides Water & Waste
Designing for Every Drop
Unit 3: Lesson 6
Today's Target
"I can identify ways homes can conserve water and manage waste sustainably."
Where does it go?
Shower
3 Gallons
Per Minute
Toilet Flush
1.6 Gallons
Per Flush
Brushing
2 Gallons
Running Tap
Greywater
Catching water from sinks & showers to reuse in toilets & gardens.
Filter & Reuse
SINK
FILTER
GARDEN
System Flow
Nature's Recycling
Composting
Turning food scraps into rich soil instead of sending them to a landfill.
Healthy Soil
Less Waste
Water Usage Calculator Worksheet Water Usage Calculator
Tracking Daily Impact | Activity 6.1
NAME: ___________________________
DATE: ___________________________
Estimating your personal water footprint. Think back to your routine over the last 24 hours!
Daily Activity Gallon Cost Frequency Subtotal Shower 3 Gal / Minute Toilet Flush 1.6 Gal / Flush Brushing Teeth 2 Gal (Tap on) Hand Washing 0.5 Gal / Wash Laundry 25 Gal / Load Grand Total Usage: Gallons
Conservation Brainstorm
What is the ONE area where you could save the most water starting today? Why?
Global Fact
"The average American uses 88 gallons of water a day at home. In contrast, many families in developing nations survive on less than 5 gallons."
Design Challenge Planning Teacher Guide DESIGN CHALLENGE PLANNING
Lesson 7: Creating the Vision
Launch Day
Unit Summative
Challenge Goal
Teams will design a sustainable, accessible home for a specific family scenario, incorporating climate-ready features and renewable energy.
Materials
Family Scenario Cards (1 per group)
Design Challenge Planning Worksheet
Graph paper & Colored pencils
Teacher Prep
Print and cut the Case Scenario Cards (Material 7.3).
Review the rubrics to explain how students earn points for 'Justification'.
Day 7 Pacing
0-10 min
The Pitch: Launching the Design Challenge and Firm formation.
10-20 min
Client Brief: Analyzing needs using scenario cards.
20-55 min
Firm Planning: Initial feature list and zoning sketches.
55-60 min
Goal Setting: Prep for Building Day (Lesson 8).
Launch Day Script
I. The Mission (Hook)
"Designers, you've become experts in climate, energy, and water. Today, you launch your own design firms. You'll receive a client scenario, and your mission is to design a home that fits their human needs and protects our resources."
II. The Client Brief
"Analyze your Case Card. What is their #1 priority? Accessibility? Saving money? Survivor of a specific climate? Use your Planning Worksheet to brainstorm solutions before you sketch final plans."
Design Challenge Planning Slides Design Challenge
Phase 1: The Blueprint
Summative Design Firm
The Brief
"Your firm must design a Sustainable, Accessible, and Climate-Specific home for a real-world client."
Meet Your Client
Analysis Steps:
1 Identify the family's specific needs.
2 Define the Climate/Location.
3 Pick 3 "Must-Have" sustainability features.
Empathy
Good design starts with people.
The Design Menu
Renewable
Accessibility
Conservation
Climate
Use your worksheets from Lessons 1-6 as your Feature Guide!
Family Scenario Cards Client Scenario Cards
Print & Cut
Case #01
The Alvarez Family
Climate: Desert (Arizona)
A family of 5 living in a hot, dry region. They want to lower their massive electricity bills from air conditioning and find a way to reuse water for their vegetable garden.
Housing & Interior Design
Case #02
The Miller Duo
Climate: Temperate (Oregon)
A couple in their 70s. One person uses a wheelchair. They need a home that is easy to navigate without help and stays naturally warm during the rainy, chilly winters.
Housing & Interior Design
Case #03
The Chen Family
Climate: Tropical (Florida)
A large family living in a flood-prone area near the coast. They need a home that can survive heavy rain and stay cool without a lot of power usage.
Housing & Interior Design
Case #04
The Arctic Research Team
Climate: Arctic (Alaska)
A group of 3 researchers needing a temporary base. The material must be local (if possible) or very efficient at trapping heat. It must withstand extreme wind.
Housing & Interior Design
Design Challenge Planning Worksheet Design Challenge Plan
Phase 1: Research & Strategy
FIRM NAME:
CLIENT #:
Client Needs Analysis
Key Constraints (Needs):
Climate Challenges:
The Feature "Must-Haves"
List 3 essential systems for this home:
Concept Sketch
Blueprint Area - Draft Your Layout
Resource Strategy
What materials will you use and WHY?
Design Challenge Building Teacher Guide DESIGN CHALLENGE: BUILDING
Lesson 8: Construction & Refinement
Work Session
Active Building
Students transition their rough plans into final poster blueprints or digital models, focusing on clarity, labeling, and "Human Service" justifications.
Materials
Large Poster Paper (11x17 min)
Design Criteria Rubric (Material 8.2)
Day 8 Pacing
0-5 min
Distribution of materials.
5-45 min
Active Design: Blueprint/Poster construction.
45-55 min
Peer Review: Poster rotation.
55-60 min
Cleanup & Goal setting.
Project Management Script
I. The Construction Phase
"Design Firms, today is your full construction session. Your goal is to turn that rough sketch into a professional poster. neatness matters in architecture!"
Design Challenge Building Slides Phase 2: Build
Turning Plans into Reality
Final Poster Specs
Blueprint Layout
Clear Labels
Justifications
"Neatness is not just for looks; it is for communication."
Criteria Check
Sustainable
Energy? Water? Materials?
Accessible
Width? Handles? Entry?
Climate-Ready
Roofs? Windows? Walls?
Human-First
Does it fit YOUR client?
Design Challenge Rubric Design Quality Rubric
Housing & Interior Design | Assessment 8.1
TOTAL SCORE / 12
Criteria 3 - Advanced 2 - Proficient 1 - Developing Sustainability 3+ features clearly labeled with benefits. 2 features included with basic notes. Incomplete features. Accessibility Follows all universal design rules. One major accessible feature included. Barriers still exist. Climate Perfect match to scenario climate. General climate response visible. Standard generic design. Labeling Professional layout; clear labels. Organized; most parts labeled. Hard to read sketches.
Design Glow
Design Grow Design Challenge Presentations Teacher Guide Design Challenge: Presentations
Lesson 9: Explaining the Vision
Firm Review
Summative Feedback
Communication
Student firms present their designs to the "Client Review Board" (the class), using unit vocabulary to justify their architectural choices.
Materials
Completed Project Posters
Glow and Grow Feedback Forms
Sticky notes for Gallery Walk
Presentation Rubric (for teacher)
Presentation Format (3-4 min each)
The Client: Briefly introduce the family and their location.The Solution: Point out the home's layout and climate features.The "Green" Heart: Explain the energy and water saving systems.Universal Design: Highlight how the home works for everyone.
Day 9 Pacing
0-5 min
Final Review: Firms check their posters and speaking points.
5-40 min
Presentations: Groups present to the class; audience completes feedback.
40-55 min
Gallery Walk: Informal rotation to see all posters up close with sticky notes.
55-60 min
Reflecting on the design process.
Board Review Script
I. Set the Stage
"Welcome to the Client Review Board. Today, we are not just students; we are fellow professionals evaluating the future of housing. As each firm presents, listen for their justifications. Did they use the vocabulary terms from our wall? How did they solve their client's specific problem?"
II. Giving Feedback
"As you listen, you have Glow and Grow forms. A 'Glow' is a specific design choice that you think is brilliant. A 'Grow' is a constructive question—maybe something they missed or a way to make it even greener. Let's keep our feedback professional and kind."
III. Gallery Walk Instructions
"Now that we've heard the big ideas, take 15 minutes to wander the room. Look at the fine details in the sketches. Use your sticky notes to leave a final 'Glow' on at least two posters that weren't your own. Pay attention to the creative ways people solved their water and waste problems!"
Design Challenge Presentations Slides Client Review Board
Phase 3: The Pitch
The Professional Pitch
Speak Clearly
Point to Details
Explain the "Why"
Invite Feedback
Firm Timer
4:00
Glow and Grow Feedback Form Glow & Grow: Peer Review
Reviewer Handout 9.1
Review Board
FIRM: _________________
GLOW (Success):
GROW (Question):
FIRM: _________________
GLOW (Success):
GROW (Question):
FIRM: _________________
GLOW (Success):
GROW (Question):
FIRM: _________________
GLOW (Success):
GROW (Question):
Reflection and Connections Teacher Guide Reflection & Connections
Lesson 10: Real-World Change
Final Wrap-up
Human Services Impact
Local Impact
Students shift from theoretical design to local application, identifying green features in their city and planning school advocacy.
Materials
Community Action Plan Worksheet (Material 10.3)
Final Reflection Essay Handout (Material 10.4)
Community Examples
Bullitt Center (Seattle): A "Living Building" that makes all its own power.Local School Solar: Check if your district has added solar to gym roofs.Public Library: Many modern libraries are built with natural light (Passive Solar).
Real-World Impact Script
I. Connecting the Dots
"Class, green design isn't just a theory—it's happening in our city. Take a look at the Bullitt Center. It catches its own water and makes its own power. Better housing makes for healthier, happier families who spend less on bills and more on living."
II. The Action Plan
"Pick ONE system—greywater, composting, or LED bulbs. Create a plan to bring it to our school. Who needs to hear your idea? This is the heart of Human Services: advocating for a better community."
III. Final Reflection
"Ten lessons ago, we drew dream homes with trampoline rooms. Now, we design with purpose. Your final task is to write your unit reflection essay."
Reflection and Connections Slides Bigger Than a Building
Lesson 10: Reflection & Impact
Local Green Icons
The Bullitt Center
"The Greenest Commercial Building in the World."
Seattle, WA
Why It Matters
Lower utility costs for families.
Cleaner air for our neighbors.
Designs that include everyone.
Community Action Plan Worksheet Community Action Plan
Sustainability Advocate | Activity 10.1
ADVOCATE: ___________________________
DATE: ___________________________
One small change can start a movement. Pick one system from this unit to improve in your school or home.
1
The Target
What system are we improving? (Recycling, Rain Barrels, Energy?)
2
The Human Service "Why"
How does this help people in our community live better, safer, or more affordable lives?
3
The First Step
Who do you need to talk to? What is the very first action needed to launch this idea?
Final Unit Reflection Essay Unit Reflection
Housing Unit 3 | Final Synthesis
DESIGNER: ___________________________
DATE: ___________________________
The Reflection Mission:
"Ten lessons ago, you designed a dream home with your imagination. Now, you design with purpose, empathy, and environmental science."
How has your understanding of 'Home' changed? Why is Good Design a necessary human service?
Unit Reflection Handout Turn Over for More Space →
Designer Reflection Cont.
