STEM Challenge - Project: Hurricane Defender - Build a Hurricane Proof House

Engage your students with this week-long STEM challenge.

The Challenge:

Homes all along the Atlantic and Gulf coast are susceptible to wind damage during a

hurricane. Some hurricanes can top 150 mph. After the devastation of the last

hurricane, home builders in the region have been forced to meet the demands of

homeowners and build more damage-resistant housing. You are the lead architect for

the largest home builder on the Texas coastline. Your task is to design a house that can

withstand hurricane force winds, yet still appeal to homeowners. You will have to be

budget conscience with your design and have a house strong enough to stand up

to the deadliest hurricanes. Where will you focus your efforts? How will you spend your

money? How can you innovate from current designs? Your challenge is a tough one,

but this is your moment to shine. Good Luck.

What's Included

• The 21st-century problem includes a video challenge which outlines the activity in a fun and easy to understand way.

• The slideshow presentation (PPT and Keynote) allows the teacher to facilitate the pacing throughout the project.

• The teacher lesson plans include TEKS and NGSS standards alignment, and step-by-step directions on what the teacher and students should be doing along the way.

• The student notebook will guide the student through the activity. The questions will challenge students to learn new information, reflect on learned information, and provide the students a framework for the entire project.

• Each lesson is written using the Launch process. Students are going to be brainstorming with their peers and reflecting on failures and opportunities. At the end of each project, we’ve asked the students to share their ideas with the world. This holds students accountable. They will put forth the best effort knowing other students could critique the project.

What Supplies Do I Need?

Each product contains a list of suggested supplies for the project. We were very cautious about choosing inexpensive items. This project has a suggested supply list that includes: Cardboard, Glue, Toilet paper/paper towel tubes, Pipe cleaners, Scissors, Paper, Tape, Plastic baggies, Funnels, Paperclips, Rubber bands, Toothpicks, Popsicle Sticks or Tongue Depressors

The supply list is dynamic and can be adjusted to your situation.

NGSS and TEKS Standards

Aside from the engineering components of this project, students will be learning hurricanes and the impact of catastrophic events.

NGSS: MS-ETS1-1, MS-ETS1-2, MS-ETS1-3, MS-ETS1-4, adaptable to MS-ESS3-2

TEKS: 7.8A

Other STEM Challenges

Project: Rocket Launch - Create Rocket That is Ready for Launch

Project: Birdman - Design a Bird Beak for a Feeding Frenzy

Project: Electric - Design a System to Harness Wave Energy

Project: Hurricane Defender - Build a Hurricane Proof House

Project: Inhabit Mars - Build a Landing Device for Mars

Project: Lunar Base - Design a Lunar Colony

Project: Move - Design a Pulley System To Move a Heavy Load

Project: Save the Oceans - Design a Device to Clean the Oceans

Project: Skydive - Design a Parachute For Your New Business

Project: Thrills - Design A Fast and Furious Roller Coaster

Project: Wind and Sky - Create a 21st Century Turbine

Project: Explore Mars - Create a Space Probe for a MARS Mission

Save $$$

STEM Challenge Bundle 20% off

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