An elementary school project inspired by Self-Determination Theory: design a sustainable miniature house.

This project combines autonomy and structure to provide gifted students with a challenging and motivating learning experience while supporting them in developing independence, problem-solving skills, and collaboration.

Learning objective

Students will design and build a miniature house that is as sustainable as possible. The goal is to stimulate their creativity, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of sustainability. Gifted students are challenged to make complex decisions while considering factors such as energy efficiency, material use, and environmental impact. This aligns with their need for intellectual challenge and meaningful learning.

Preparation

1. Provide context: Prepare a brief introduction on sustainability and its importance in the construction sector. Use simple examples like solar panels, insulation, and recycled materials.

2. Create a checklist: Develop a clear checklist with steps for students to follow, such as creating a design sketch, selecting materials, and building the house.

3. Offer choices: Provide examples of different house designs (e.g., a simple house, a treehouse, or a tiny house) and let students choose what they want to design.

4. Structure the assignment: Divide the project into three clear phases: 

   • Phase 1: Design: Students create a sketch of their house.

   • Phase 2: Gather Materials: They choose how they want to shape their house.

   • Phase 3: Build the Model: They construct their model and present their creation.

Implementation

Step 1: Introduction and Choice (Autonomy Support)

• Begin the lesson with a brief presentation on sustainability and how it can be applied in house design.

• Allow students the freedom to personalize their project: let them choose the type of house they want to design and the recycled materials they want to use.

• Encourage them to brainstorm creative ideas in small groups and share their chosen approach with the class.

Step 2: setting clear expectations (structure)

• Provide clear criteria for the house, such as a minimum number of rooms, the use of at least three recycled materials, and a way to demonstrate energy efficiency.

• Outline the steps: creating a design sketch, gathering necessary materials, and building the model.

Step 3: Provide step-by-step guidance (Structure)

• Guide students through each phase of the process. For example: 

  • Design: Help them think about how to make their ideas realistic and ensure they create a to-scale sketch.

  • Choosing materials: Discuss how materials can be reused and their specific properties.

  • Building: Offer tips on making their structure sturdy and assist with technical details like attaching lights.

Step 4: Monitoring Progress (Structure)

• Schedule interim check-ins where students present their progress and reflect on what is going well and what could be improved.  

• Provide targeted feedback, such as: "Your design looks great! Also, consider how you can make the roof more energy-efficient."

Step 5: Providing feedback (Structure and Autonomy Support)

• Provide process-focused feedback: praise their efforts and creativity while offering constructive suggestions for improvement. For example, “You made smart choices for insulation, but how could you create more natural light without using extra energy?”

• Encourage them to reflect on their own work: what did they enjoy, and what did they find challenging?

Step 6: Presentation and reflection (Autonomy Support)

• Have each student or group present their miniature house to the class, explaining the sustainable choices they made.

• Encourage them to receive feedback from classmates and respond to questions.

Materials list:

• Craft supplies: cardboard, glue, scissors, paint, markers

• Recycled materials from home: empty boxes, plastic bottles, old paper

• Basic design tools: rulers, pencils, erasers 

• Optional: simple technology like LED lights or small solar panels (available cheaply or to share in the classroom)

• Information sources: books or printouts about sustainable building materials and energy efficiency

Copyright © 2025 Dr. Sabine Sypré – All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced in any form or by any means, whether electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission from the author. Sharing online is permitted provided the author is credited and a link to this article is included.