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Middle School • Interdisciplinary Project

Design a Sustainable Island Community

Students research interconnected community needs and create a realistic plan for an island that can thrive while protecting its environment.

The driving question

How can we design an island community that meets people’s needs today without harming the resources future generations will need?

Community systems

Clean energyFresh waterLocal foodSustainable housingTransportationWaste reductionHabitat protectionCommunity well-being

Research, design, and defend

  1. Study the challenge. Investigate the island’s geography, climate, population, and limited resources.
  2. Research solutions. Compare real approaches and evaluate their benefits, costs, and tradeoffs.
  3. Create a systems plan. Show how energy, water, food, housing, transportation, and waste work together.
  4. Build the community. Produce a detailed map, physical model, or digital design with a clear legend.
  5. Measure the impact. Use data, calculations, and evidence to justify major decisions.
  6. Present to a council. Defend the plan, respond to questions, and revise after feedback.

Final products

Community map or model • Research brief • Systems explanation

Budget or resource plan • Environmental impact statement • Presentation