SUMMATIVE
UNIT PROJECT
Designing an
Energy-Efficient
Doghouse
BACKGROUND:
Choosing the best materials is important when you are planning a building project.
Insulation can slow down the transfer of thermal energy through the walls of a building. If
the designer wants to keep the building cool, she or he might choose to paint the building a
light colour, or use a material on the outside walls that is shiny. The designer must
consider form and function.
SCENARIO:
The K-9 Doghouse Company is holding a design competition to develop a new doghouse.
The company is looking for a doghouse that will keep a dog comfortably warm during the
winter months and cool during the summer.
DESIGN BRIEF:
Designers must build a prototype of a doghouse that is designed to keep a dog warm during
the winter and cool during the summer. The prototype must not exceed 30 cm x 30 cm in
floor area, and 15 cm in height, inside. There must be a doorway. Designers are encouraged
to use materials efficiently, to keep the doghouse affordable, and to minimize negative
effects on the environment. All materials must be safe for use in the classroom and home.
The doghouse design must be reasonable. It might be quite fun to design a massive,
extravagant dog palace with every comfort and gadget your pet would want or need.
However, the purpose of this assignment is to have you apply your science knowledge to a
practical situation. The doghouse should keep to the measurements listed above. Your
design may vary slightly from these measurements (for example, adding a pitched roof or
an entry “hall”), but the overall design should be fairly similar to the above measurements.
Remember, this is a science project, not an art project. Spend more time and
effort on planning the scientific usefulness of your doghouse than on the
attractiveness and extra features for the dog.
RESEARCH and DESIGN:
You will be given class time to do some research of the different types of dog houses,
however additional time at home may be beneficial. You will need to review what designs
are best for the dog house while keeping in mind that heat is transferred through
conduction, convection and radiation. You will also be given some time in class to design
and draw your doghouse, choose the proposed materials and complete the planning
worksheet page.
TIMELINE:
You are welcome to research and talk to other people to brainstorm ideas, but the work
must be yours. You must do the planning, the drawing, the writing, etc.
Some class time will be given for planning. Some information you will have to complete at
home. All parts of the assignment will be kept in a folder until due dates where it will then
be handed in to your teacher. You will not be able to continue to the next step until the
previous step is done and done correctly.
Steps for Assignment
Due Date
Research existing doghouses.
December 8th (in class)
Design your doghouse (rough sketch, choose
materials, explain how doghouse will prevent
thermal energy transfer)
December 8th and 12th (in class)
Due December 13th
Blueprints completed
December 13th
Construction and testing days
December 13-16th (19th if needed)
Doghouse showcase (written items and the
final product are due)
December 19th / 20th
MATERIALS:
Students will be provided material to build the walls and sides. Students are
expected to purchase materials to build the frame of the doghouse and any
other materials they believe they might need for an efficient dog house.
Construction materials depend entirely on the builder. A recommended material for the
frame that is lightweight, easy to use and easy to transport is balsa wood. Balsa wood, in
one by one by (length) sizes would work best. These can be purchased at model stores
(such as Model Baron) or craft stores. Wooden dowels are also a good idea. Please note
that there are multiple classes completing the assignment and therefore the availability of
these materials cannot be guaranteed.
Other suggested materials for the frame include large popsicle sticks (dollar store item) or
even LEGO® pieces. When looking for items, please keep costs low as this is not means to
be an expensive project. If there are issues with costs purchasing any items,
please let your teacher know as soon as possible.
SUMMATIVE
UNIT PROJECT
Designing an
Energy-Efficient
Doghouse
PLANNING PAGE (INTERIOR DESIGN)
In the space below, sketch your doghouse proposal. When drawing, use a ruler or straight edge – no
freehand lines please! If you choose to use the computer for your sketch, please print the image and
attach it to this page.
SUMMATIVE
UNIT PROJECT
Designing an
Energy-Efficient
Doghouse
PLANNING PAGE (EXTERIOR DESIGN)
In the space below, sketch your doghouse proposal. When drawing, use a ruler or straight edge – no
freehand lines please! If you choose to use the computer for your sketch, please print the image and
attach it to this page.
SUMMATIVE
UNIT PROJECT
Designing an
Energy-Efficient
Doghouse
Equipment / supplies needed:
How does your design reduce thermal energy transfer?
What materials do you have in your design to act as an insulator? Describe how it will
insulate the structure?
What features of the doghouse demonstrate passive heating? Describe these features and how
it uses passive heating in the design.