Karen Adams and Jeno Bianchi

Adams’ and Bianchi’s innovative teaching idea, “Affordable/Sustainable Housing,” serves as the foundation for a new science class at the Mary Hurd Academy, an alternative high school in rural Maine that serves secondary aged students with social-emotional and behavioral needs. Many people in the North Berwick community, including students, do not have access to safe, cost-effective housing. This project will challenge students to plan and design a 3D model of a dwelling that could be affordable, sustainable and environmentally friendly. They will then share their designs with the Maine State Housing Authority, a government program created to ensure that all Maine residents have access to quality, affordable housing. Through this project, students will have an opportunity to be the catalysts of a positive change in their community. Lessons will focus on different architectural principles such as building techniques, availability of materials, size choices, structural designs, etc. Students will also research the costs and environmental impact associated with each of their options.