The Tiny House Project---Description
Our Tiny House Project was a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) education-based collaboration with Space4Art, a nonprofit organization of San Diego architects and artists. The reason why the Tiny House Project was initiated is because San Diego artists have been gradually moving out of San Diego, due to the fact that it is just too expensive to live here on an artist's salary. Without San Diego artists, the art culture of San Diego will eventually wither away. The goal of the Tiny House Project is to provide these artists with affordable housing so that they do not have to move away, and so that San Diego art culture will not die out.
Our Tiny House Project was a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) education-based collaboration with Space4Art, a nonprofit organization of San Diego architects and artists. The reason why the Tiny House Project was initiated is because San Diego artists have been gradually moving out of San Diego, due to the fact that it is just too expensive to live here on an artist's salary. Without San Diego artists, the art culture of San Diego will eventually wither away. The goal of the Tiny House Project is to provide these artists with affordable housing so that they do not have to move away, and so that San Diego art culture will not die out.
Some of the main things that we studied for our physics Tiny House Project were:
--Innovation in tiny homes.
--Converting units.
--Scientific Notation.
--Newton's laws of motion.
--Trigonometry.
--Inclinometers.
--Engineering disasters in history.
--Inertia.
--Center of mass.
--Gravity.
--Electricity and circuitry.
--Force.
--Energy.
--Renewable vs nonrenewable power resources.
--Innovation in tiny homes.
--Converting units.
--Scientific Notation.
--Newton's laws of motion.
--Trigonometry.
--Inclinometers.
--Engineering disasters in history.
--Inertia.
--Center of mass.
--Gravity.
--Electricity and circuitry.
--Force.
--Energy.
--Renewable vs nonrenewable power resources.
Phases of our physics Tiny House Project
Phase 1: Building the Team---Description
Phase 1 of our Tiny House Project was simply about getting to know one another and how we function together as a team. We did a bunch of team-building games and activities that taught us how cooperation and collaboration is what makes a strong team.
Phase 1 of our Tiny House Project was simply about getting to know one another and how we function together as a team. We did a bunch of team-building games and activities that taught us how cooperation and collaboration is what makes a strong team.
Our team.
Part 1: Building the Team---Reflection
I had never attended a HTH school prior to enrolling at HTHCV, so this first phase of our project was very important for me. I got the opportunity to get acquainted with my classmates and teachers, which helped me work with them later on in the project.
I had never attended a HTH school prior to enrolling at HTHCV, so this first phase of our project was very important for me. I got the opportunity to get acquainted with my classmates and teachers, which helped me work with them later on in the project.
Part 2: Learning to Live Tiny---Description
Phase 2 served as an introduction to the Tiny House Project, Space4Art, and what it means to "live tiny". We studied innovation in tiny houses such as multipurpose furniture and space-saving design.
Phase 2 served as an introduction to the Tiny House Project, Space4Art, and what it means to "live tiny". We studied innovation in tiny houses such as multipurpose furniture and space-saving design.
Here are some examples of multipurpose furniture
Part 2: Learning to Live Tiny---Reflection
It was interesting to learn about innovative, space-saving designs in tiny homes because it made look at my own home with a more critical eye as to how the space could be used more efficiently. I believe that I actually re-arranged my room during this time because of the things I had learned during this phase of the project.
It was interesting to learn about innovative, space-saving designs in tiny homes because it made look at my own home with a more critical eye as to how the space could be used more efficiently. I believe that I actually re-arranged my room during this time because of the things I had learned during this phase of the project.
Part 3: Learning to Build a Park---Description
During phase 3, we aided Space4Art in the construction of the Gilliam Family Community Garden and Park so that we could get a rough idea of what it would be like to build the actual tiny house later on in the year. The park is located at 2845 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, CA 92102.
During phase 3, we aided Space4Art in the construction of the Gilliam Family Community Garden and Park so that we could get a rough idea of what it would be like to build the actual tiny house later on in the year. The park is located at 2845 Imperial Avenue, San Diego, CA 92102.
Construction of the Gilliam Family Community Garden and Park in Logan Heights, San Diego
Part 3: Learning to Build a Park---Reflection
When we arrived at the Logan Heights park build site on our first day of building, it was basically just an empty lot. As we continued construction with Space4Art, although the process was slow, it was exciting to see the park come together. And although I had done school projects in years past, it was good to know that our work was actually resulting in something public, something for the community, rather than being exclusively for our family and teachers.
When we arrived at the Logan Heights park build site on our first day of building, it was basically just an empty lot. As we continued construction with Space4Art, although the process was slow, it was exciting to see the park come together. And although I had done school projects in years past, it was good to know that our work was actually resulting in something public, something for the community, rather than being exclusively for our family and teachers.
Here is a link to a KPBS news broadcast about the Gilliam Family Community Garden and Park
Here is a link to a video that we made of our work on the Gilliam Family Community Garden and Park
Here is a link to a video that we made of our work on the Gilliam Family Community Garden and Park
Part 4: Team Name and Banner---Description
By the time construction on the park was completed, we had grown to know each other as team members fairly well, so we felt like it was time to come up with a team name and a team logo. We decided that our name would be "Team Sempiternal". We made our team logo into a big wood banner and hung it over our classroom.
By the time construction on the park was completed, we had grown to know each other as team members fairly well, so we felt like it was time to come up with a team name and a team logo. We decided that our name would be "Team Sempiternal". We made our team logo into a big wood banner and hung it over our classroom.
This is our official team logo and the team banner that we put together.
Part 4: Team Name and Banner---Reflection
Our team name was inspired by the album "Sempiternal", by the band "Bring Me The Horizon". The basic design of our team logo also has some of the mandala-like qualities features in the album's cover. "Sempiternal" is a play on the latin word "sempiterno", meaning "everlasting". The meaning of this word signifies that our team will last forever (in a way), because our work in the Tiny House Project will continue for many years to come, even long after we will have graduated high school.
Our team name was inspired by the album "Sempiternal", by the band "Bring Me The Horizon". The basic design of our team logo also has some of the mandala-like qualities features in the album's cover. "Sempiternal" is a play on the latin word "sempiterno", meaning "everlasting". The meaning of this word signifies that our team will last forever (in a way), because our work in the Tiny House Project will continue for many years to come, even long after we will have graduated high school.
Part 5: Interviewing and then Designing for, the Artists---Description
Phase 5 was essentially the midway point of our Tiny House Project. Our team was divided into small groups and assigned each a local San Diego artist, who would be acting as our "client". My group's client was multimedia artist Matt Dunn. We interviewed Matt at Space4Art about his life and work because the next step in our project was to design a personalized tiny house for our client. Tiny houses generally range between 100-400 square feet. Because these houses are so small, innovative and space-efficient designs are essential. Shortly after our interview, we began drawing out blueprints for Matt Dunn's tiny home. We also created 3D designs on an architectural design software called “SketchUp”.
Phase 5 was essentially the midway point of our Tiny House Project. Our team was divided into small groups and assigned each a local San Diego artist, who would be acting as our "client". My group's client was multimedia artist Matt Dunn. We interviewed Matt at Space4Art about his life and work because the next step in our project was to design a personalized tiny house for our client. Tiny houses generally range between 100-400 square feet. Because these houses are so small, innovative and space-efficient designs are essential. Shortly after our interview, we began drawing out blueprints for Matt Dunn's tiny home. We also created 3D designs on an architectural design software called “SketchUp”.
Here is a photo of our group interviewing Matt Dunn and also a few snapshots of the tiny house SketchUp designs that we made
Part 5: Interviewing and Then Designing For, the Artists---Reflection
Our group interview that I had ever conducted, so I was pretty nervous. But in the end, it was a very educational and interesting experience for me because I got to talk with a professional artist.
Our group interview that I had ever conducted, so I was pretty nervous. But in the end, it was a very educational and interesting experience for me because I got to talk with a professional artist.
Part 6: Presenting Designs---Description
Immediately after phase 5, we presented our artist's biographical articles to a panel that included our artist, our teachers, and a few Space4Art associates. This presentation was a chance for us to prove to our artist, our teachers, Space4Art, and our parents, that we were a strong and capable group of students. The Tiny House Project incorporated all aspects of STEAM education. These presentations put everything that we had learned so far to the test.
Immediately after phase 5, we presented our artist's biographical articles to a panel that included our artist, our teachers, and a few Space4Art associates. This presentation was a chance for us to prove to our artist, our teachers, Space4Art, and our parents, that we were a strong and capable group of students. The Tiny House Project incorporated all aspects of STEAM education. These presentations put everything that we had learned so far to the test.
Here is a photo of one of the group presentations.
Part 6: Presenting Designs---Reflection
It was very nerve-racking for me in preparation for our group presentation. First of all, because my parents were watching, but also because our Space4Art panel included some professional artists and architects who don't kid around. Our work needed to be top notch. Although I was nervous, our presentation was a very good opportunity for me to practice my professional speaking/presenting skills, as it is something that I will like have to do again in the future.
It was very nerve-racking for me in preparation for our group presentation. First of all, because my parents were watching, but also because our Space4Art panel included some professional artists and architects who don't kid around. Our work needed to be top notch. Although I was nervous, our presentation was a very good opportunity for me to practice my professional speaking/presenting skills, as it is something that I will like have to do again in the future.
Part 7: Fundraising---Description
Because Space4Art is a non-profit organization, they receive their funding via donations. At that time, Space4Art was about $18,000 short from the money they needed to build their first tiny house. Phase 7 of our Tiny House Project was all about raising funds for Space4Art so that we could actually build a tiny house. We created an online Kickstarter fundraising campaign where people could donate. We promoted our Kickstarter campaign by distributing fliers, using social media, handing-out keychains, and making phone calls to big companies.
Because Space4Art is a non-profit organization, they receive their funding via donations. At that time, Space4Art was about $18,000 short from the money they needed to build their first tiny house. Phase 7 of our Tiny House Project was all about raising funds for Space4Art so that we could actually build a tiny house. We created an online Kickstarter fundraising campaign where people could donate. We promoted our Kickstarter campaign by distributing fliers, using social media, handing-out keychains, and making phone calls to big companies.
On February 25, 2016, our month-long Kickstarter fundraising campaign came to a close. With 71 backers, we raised well over our $18,000 goal.
Part 7: Fundraising---Reflection
At the beginning of this phase, it seemed absurd to me that we could raise $18,000 in a month. Already 3 weeks into our campaign, we had only raised about $8,000. However, just a few days before the end, we managed to convince Qualcomm to donate $10,000. Without this donation, I don't see how we could have reached our goal.
At the beginning of this phase, it seemed absurd to me that we could raise $18,000 in a month. Already 3 weeks into our campaign, we had only raised about $8,000. However, just a few days before the end, we managed to convince Qualcomm to donate $10,000. Without this donation, I don't see how we could have reached our goal.
Part 8: A Building Company Is Born---Description
Phase 8 of The Tiny House Project was the beginning of tiny house construction. We spent a couple of weeks at Space4Art building walls, cutting wood, building window frames, and sanding. By this time, Space4Art had implemented some of the designs that we made for the San Diego artists into the designs for the first, real tiny house.
Phase 8 of The Tiny House Project was the beginning of tiny house construction. We spent a couple of weeks at Space4Art building walls, cutting wood, building window frames, and sanding. By this time, Space4Art had implemented some of the designs that we made for the San Diego artists into the designs for the first, real tiny house.
Construction of tiny house #1 begins at Space4Art
Part 8: A Building Company Is Born---Reflection
Building the tiny house was my favorite phase of our project. It was exciting to finally witness the construction of the tiny house because all of our previous work had been leading up to this phase. Plus, it was fun and interesting to participate in a real construction job.
Building the tiny house was my favorite phase of our project. It was exciting to finally witness the construction of the tiny house because all of our previous work had been leading up to this phase. Plus, it was fun and interesting to participate in a real construction job.
Part 9: Exhibition---Description
For this final phase of the Tiny House Project, we held an at-school exhibition so that everyone could see our work in the project.
For this final phase of the Tiny House Project, we held an at-school exhibition so that everyone could see our work in the project.
Our team
Part 9: Exhibition---Reflection
Our exhibition was very satisfying for me because I knew that our Tiny House Project was basically over. Not that I wanted to to be over, it was just eye-opening to reflect on all that we had done for the project.
Our exhibition was very satisfying for me because I knew that our Tiny House Project was basically over. Not that I wanted to to be over, it was just eye-opening to reflect on all that we had done for the project.
The Tiny House Project---Reflection
The Tiny House Project was the first year-long project that I had ever done. I think the greatest thing that I gained from participating in this project is improved communication skills. There were many, many times throughout the project when we would have to present our work, such as the time when we had to pitch our tiny house designs to Space4Art. Fundraising also presented an opportunity to improve my communication skills, as we would have to concisely propose our fundraising effort to potential backers, whether it were on a flier, over the phone, or face to face. I am convinced that the communication skills that I gained during our Tiny House Project will help me for the rest of my life. In addition, I am grateful that our Tiny House Project introduced me to SketchUp, because it allows me to accurately design any project before I even build it. Recently, I helped my Dad out by creating a 3D model of some shelves that he had designed and was planning on building. That way, my Dad could review the SketchUp designs before he actually started building his shelves. In conclusion, our Tiny House Project was an extraordinary opportunity for me and my classmates, and I look forward to the day when Space4Art's Tiny House Project is finally complete.
The Tiny House Project was the first year-long project that I had ever done. I think the greatest thing that I gained from participating in this project is improved communication skills. There were many, many times throughout the project when we would have to present our work, such as the time when we had to pitch our tiny house designs to Space4Art. Fundraising also presented an opportunity to improve my communication skills, as we would have to concisely propose our fundraising effort to potential backers, whether it were on a flier, over the phone, or face to face. I am convinced that the communication skills that I gained during our Tiny House Project will help me for the rest of my life. In addition, I am grateful that our Tiny House Project introduced me to SketchUp, because it allows me to accurately design any project before I even build it. Recently, I helped my Dad out by creating a 3D model of some shelves that he had designed and was planning on building. That way, my Dad could review the SketchUp designs before he actually started building his shelves. In conclusion, our Tiny House Project was an extraordinary opportunity for me and my classmates, and I look forward to the day when Space4Art's Tiny House Project is finally complete.