Construct and Test Roofs for Different Climates - Activity

Materials List: Construct and Test Roofs for Different Climates

an assortment of materials for students to create model homes; use what you have available; suggestions: cardboard, poster board, foam core board, sticks, straws, Popsicle sticks, toothpicks, golf tees, old cloth, foil, felt, straw, rocks, clay, wood, beans, Play-doh, string, duct tape, paper clips, mosaic tiles, etc.
various roofing materials (use whatever is available, such as cardboard, clay for adobe houses, hay or long grass for grass huts, corkboard, saran wrap for roof for tropics houses, etc.)
classroom tools, such as pencils, pens, markers, rulers, scissors, glue and tape
(optional) additional tools, such as hammer, nails, screwdriver, screws, pliers, various mechanical fasteners, tape measures
weather elements: water, strainer, ice cubes, hair dryer to produce wind, coins, washers
"Houses and Homes" by Ann Morris ($18, check your local library)
Student Activity Worksheet or Climate Appropriate House Design Worksheet, one per group
(if focusing on China) Climate Background Design Information for China, one copy for teacher