1. How do we build structures that have a low impact on the environment?
Exploring this question through engineering and design.

2. Engineering Concept Map

3. Step 1: Define the Problem
Create a comfortable living space without impacting the environment.
Geology
Rocks, caves, and soil/sediments
Hydrology
Surface and ground water
Ecology
Plants, animals and space

4. Background Research
What are the characteristics of low impact living?

5. Specify Requirements Conservation Small-Scale Controls
Customized Site Design
Maintenance, Pollution Prevention and Education

6. Specify Requirements
Conservation: Preserve native trees, vegetation and soils. Maintain natural drainage patterns.
Small-Scale Controls: Mimic natural hydrology and processes
Customized Site Design: Ensure each site helps protect the entire water shed.
Maintenance, Pollution Prevention and Education: Reduces pollutant loads and increases efficiency and longevity. Educates and involves the public.

7. Engineering Concept Map

8. Time to Build: 20 Minutes

9. How do we get from place to place without polluting the environment?
Exploring this question through engineering and design.

10. Step 1: Define the Problem
Create a vehicle that gets you from place to place without impacting the environment.
Geology
Rocks, caves, and soil/sediments
Hydrology
Surface and ground water
Ecology
Plants, animals and space

11. Background Research

12. Specify Requirements
Zero emissions from fossil fuels such as carbon dioxide.
Little to no impact on the terrain it covers during transit or while parked.
Ability to transport a family of 4 to 5 and have enough space to travel comfortably.
Vehicle needs to blend in with its environment.

13. Time to Build: 20 Minutes

14. Engineering Concept Map

15. How do we get food without using too much or too little?
Exploring this question through engineering and design.

16. Step 1: Define the Problem
Design a garden that can sustain food and water for a family of 4 to 5 without wasting any food or water to grow it.
All the energy that it takes to grow food should not be wasted.
All waste products are reused to grow more food.

17. Background Research

18. Specify Requirements
Ability to produce enough food for a family of 4 to 5.
Fertilize plants without polluting watershed.
Need to have an idea of how many animals you will have with your garden.
All waste from family and animals must be used.
Food waste, solid waste, and water waste.

19. Time to Build: 20 Minutes

20. Engineering Concept Map