Bug Out Bungalow

Adventure: Reigning in the Rain Forest

Quest: Bug Out Bungalow

Engineering Concept: Pitched Roof and House Stilts

Challenge Level: Easy

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What is the problem?

Flynn has gotten lost in the Brazilian rainforest and needs protection from the rain, bugs and critters! She has not been able to sleep and is running low on energy. She needs a shelter that is off of the ground to keep the bugs out. She also needs an area that is shaded so she doesn’t get a sunburn. Lastly, the structure needs to keep the rain out so she can stay as dry as possible.

How will the students help?

In the first segment, Flynn will ask the participants to creatively solve the problem by planning out how they will use the household materials required to build a solution. Students are encouraged to build a prototype in this segment.

In the second segment, students will research pitched roofs and house stilts to understand how they relate to the problem Flynn is facing. They will be asked to answer open-ended research questions using research links provided by Growin’GEERS and additional research they do on their own.

In the third segment, students will rebuild their initial design based on what they learned in the second segment. They will be asked to create a new plan for how they will use their materials. Once their solution is complete, there will be a Test for Success to see if their solution passes.

What will the participants learn?

  • Pitched roof

  • House stilts

  • How civil engineers apply those concepts

  • What civil engineers do

  • Brazilian culture

  • Brazilian history

  • Why teamwork is important

  • Why it is okay to fail

What do I need to complete the quest?

  1. Access to a computer to watch the videos and research the concepts

  2. Ability to print the GEERling worksheets for students to plan their design and answer the research questions

  3. Household materials needed to complete the hands-on component


Want to get started?

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