This document provides instructions for designing an eco-friendly tree house. Students will view a TED Talk on bio-mimicry and symbiotic design inspired by nature. They will then look at examples of innovative tree house designs for inspiration. Students will outline what materials and environment their tree house will use, and describe how it will mimic a nature element to survive without pollution. Their design should consider recycling waste and using green energy sources like water, wind or solar power. They will sketch their tree house design and label any efficient features.

1. The Ultimate Tree House
You will design a tree house that is sturdy,
uses sustainable materials like reclaimed
wood, recycled metal, bamboo, rocks,
minerals, etc. The winner of the best and
most creative, mind-blowing tree house will
get a treat from Ms. Lee!

2. But first, let’s look at this Ted Talks Video
About designing structures inspired by nature. Please look for important design words
which will help you design your structure: “Bio-mimicry” and “Symbiotic”
Ted Talks Video

3. Examples of Tree houses
Let’s look at some examples of tree houses
that have innovative and original designs to
inspire our imagination!

24. Next, get a piece of “free draw” paper and a pencil:
1. Outline materials you will use
2. Define what environment your tree house will be built in
3. Describe what nature element (insect, animal, plant) will your tree
house “mimic” to survive in the environment without causing
pollution.
Examples: beetle’s bumpy shell as a design for the roof in order to
save water for the outdoor garden. A seashell design for the roof to
aid in water runoff. Soap bubbles or hexagons found in beehive
dwellings to maximize space.
Some questions for you to answer: What about waste? Will it be
recycled in the garden or used for worms to feed the fish in the
pond? What would that look like? Will the trash have a chute that
dumps into the worm compost bin? How can your tree house be
designed to use water, wind or solar power? Think about
plants and how they release carbon dioxide, charcoal is a natural
element that can filter pollution and toxins. Use the computer to
research green energy as you answer these questions before deciding
on your final design.
Then, get another piece of “free draw” paper:
1. Sketch the tree house and provide a diagram if needed to point out
energy efficient details. We will begin our final picture next week!