Engineering Activity

You will be doing a series of engineering activities individually and in a

group. Record everything that you do for this activity in your ACTIVITIES
section.
1. In your notebook/binder (ACTIVITIES), use complete sentences to answer what
you think about this question. Write the question at the top of the paper as the
title.

What happens to native species when humans encroach?

2. As you read the article assigned to you, take notes on ways that engineers and
developers minimize environmental impacts. Give specific examples from the text
when possible. Title this page

What can be done to minimize Environmental Impact

3. Pick one of the following topics and find out more about it for your group. Be sure
to list your source(s) in case your group wants you to find out more. Title this page

Green-building techniques

4.

Green-building techniques used for homes (solar panels for solar hot water and electricity, programmable
thermostats, Energy Star certification, high-efficiency fireplaces that function as primary heat sources, ultra
low-flow faucets and showerheads)
Native species landscaping and shading
Gray water reused for low-water, native landscaping
Placing houses closer together to minimize individual yard space, while maximizing shared/common
spaces and open/green spaces
Planted roofs to reduce rainwater runoff and prevent erosion
Rainwater catchment systems
Mass transit/public transit/shared car systems to keep people off the roads and ensure that the streets are as
narrow as possible
Habitat restoration and conservation plans
Multi-family buildings to minimize housing footprints through compactness
Porous asphalt street systems for managing rainwater and preventing runoff
Tree planting and preservation of mature trees, which are crucial bird habitats
Community gardens and orchards

As the project is explained to you, take notes in your journal. Title these notes

Engineering Project Notes

5.

Once given your role, find out what it is that person does. Title the notes on what
you find out as What is an environmental engineer (civil engineer,

project manager, or graphic designer)?

6.

Once you get your environmental impact problem, put the following information in
your journal. You may work with your group on this, but each of you should record
the information. Title it Environmental Impact Problem.

Biome
Species
Habitat (include how they nest, where do they spend their time)
Food
List at least three other facts about your species.
List at least three ways that a housing development could
impact your species.
List at least three ways your housing development will minimize
impact on this species.
7. Brainstorm at least 3 possible housing plans with your team. Each plan must

accommodate at least 30 families (30 houses). Record ideas you contribute in your
journal titled. Brainstorming Housing Plan

8. Also on the Brainstorming Housing Plan page, make a Pros and

Cons chart to compare each of the three plans.
9. When it is time to choose a housing plan, take notes on each presentation. What
did you like? What did you not like? Title this page Choosing a Plan

10.

When the project is over, discuss with your team two ways you could
improve your design plan. In your journal write a summary of the project. What
did you like? What didnt you like? What did you learn? What are two ways your
team could have improved the plan? How does this project relate to your
community? Title this page Summary of project