October 25, 2010

By: Don D. from Hillsboro, OR
Comments: 17

Posted By: Don Domes
On: 9/10/2007 4:45:34 AM

I have an outdoor area just behind my classroom. As I have considered the exhibit at the Cooper-Hewitt during the summer of 2007 it has occured to me that my high school students could create variations of several of the solutions presented. Ideas that I am considering include: habitat, a working water pump, a drip irrigation/water collection system to support a small garden, solar recharged lighting, and others. My concept is to present the challenge, provide a limited budget and see what the students can create. Our high school has fabrication and design facilities that will empower the students to construct working models. I know there is a quantium leap from the theoritical in the classroom to reality on the ground. Does anyone have stories of students creating working exhibits like the ones on display in New York? Our construction class has built garden sheds for years that would work as habitat, but they cost $700 or more. I am thinking $350 for habitat, maybe $100 for a pump. Has anyone attempted this with students already and how did it go? Don Domes Hillsboro High School, Oregon

Posted By: Thelma Kastl
On: 9/20/2007 9:23:25 PM

Several years ago (late 1990s) I challenged my students to build shelters using only the materials they could find in a small wooded area at the edge of the school's property. The results were much different from the structures on exhibit in New York. However, the exercise gave the students a new perspective on what it would be like to have limited resources and tools when trying to create livable workable solutions to dwelling needs. Of course, the assignment would have been more rewarding had I known the information presented at the Summer Design Institute or had I been able to tie it into an exhibit such as "Designing for the Other 90%." I believe that your idea is a fantastic one. Have you decided what the "lifespan" of your habitat/exhibit would be? That might be a definite cost consideration. And do you want this to be a "visual exhibit" versus an exhibit that can actually be put into use? Good luck and keep us posted. Thelma Kastl, Ashe County High School, North Carolina