Playhouse Structure Building Project

Playhouse Structure Building Project – Gr.5 Science Miss Berndl

LEARNING TARGET: To build a structure according to specified criteria

WHAT: Build a playhouse that can be used by young children. The scale and layout of the playhouse should allow the use of toy people and furniture.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

Playhouse – due June 1, 2010
Presentation to class – describe how it was built, point out features, Q&A
Playhouse Showcase Extravaganza – “Show & Tell” to Primary grades who “tour” library
Construction Manual – listing of materials & tools – done in class

DIMENSIONS

Footprint: maximum dimensions 25 cm X 40 cm

Height: minimum 40 cm tall

Weight: can be easily carried by you without assistance

STRENGTH & STABILITY CRITERIA

	must be free-standing
	can resist the force of air from a floor-model oscillating fan at full blast
	can support a beanbag of 500 grams on the roof

BUILDING COMPONENTS: MUST HAVE

	Solid base that supports the structure
	2 stories high minimum
	roof
	ramp, ladder, stairs or elevator between floors
	open construction so that at least 2 sides can be accessed
	main construction techniques to be visible (ie not covered up with wallpaper, carpet)

BUILDING MATERIALS: SUGGESTED

	free, reused items wherever possible
	if something needs to be purchased, cannot exceed 10% of the project

wooden “timbers” - sticks, twigs, popsicle sticks, coffee stirrers, mandarin orange crate material, scrap lumber, dowels

plastic – styrofoam meat trays, strawberry baskets, large pop bottles, cable ties

cardboard – liquor boxes, pizza boxes

metal – clothes hangers, tin cans, pop cans, twist ties

FASTENERS: SUGGESTED

use a variety – shows that you understand that there are different ways to connect materials
(similar to ones that are used in real construction)

nails, screws, nut & bolts

paper clips, staples, string

glue, modelling clay

tape – duct, masking, packaging

CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS: TRY TO INCLUDE SOME OF THESE

arches

trusses