Building & Construction Technology: Sustainable Building Lab
Discover how buildings shape the world - and how to make them better!
Join us for two action-packed weeks at UMass Amherst where high school students will dive into the world of building design, construction, and sustainability. This isn’t just sitting in a classroom - it’s about designing, building, and exploring the future of the built environment.
This pre-college course is dedicated to investigating sustainability in the Built Environment with a series of hands-on activities that will explore:
- Digital design using the computer-aided design (CAD) software Sketchup
- Energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings
- Water conservation strategies
- Sustainable material uses in contemporary buildings
- How the UMass campus incorporates elements of sustainability
- Analyzing buildings for sustainability and identifying solutions that address any shortcomings
Daily activities will include short field trips to a variety of locations, including sustainable material manufacturers, various recently built campus buildings, the UMass Power Plant, a Living Building, and the Trimble Technology Lab. Other locations on campus will illustrate energy efficiency, water conservation, and material use and disposal will be explored.
Throughout this program, we will explore the issues of sustainability and resilience from the perspective of the built environment. This will consist of a series of experiential learning exercises where students are exposed to examples of sustainability on campus and locations that are a short drive away. This program will examine the built environment and how humans interact with it.
This course is offered at the UMass Amherst campus as a residential program. Local students may apply to attend as a commuter.
Every day starts with interactive lessons, followed by hands-on activities and field trips. Students will work in teams, solve real-world problems, and even compete in the Sustainability Olympics—a fun challenge that puts your creativity and collaboration skills to the test.
- Design like a pro using SketchUp, a powerful 3D modeling tool
- Build real structures (quarter-scale models) and test them against wind, weight, and other forces
- Explore the UMass campus and see how sustainability is built into everything—from energy-efficient buildings to water-saving systems
- Go behind the scenes at places like the UMass Power Plant, a Living Building, and the Trimble Technology Lab
- Discover sustainable materials and learn how they’re changing the way we build
- Analyze real buildings and come up with solutions to make them greener and more resilient
Pre-Requisites
There are no pre-requisites for this program.
Materials
- All materials are provided—just bring your curiosity and creativity!
- Students will use our computers in the Trimble Technology Lab. Personal laptops will not be needed.
By the end of the program, students will have:
- Designed and built their own model house
- Learned how to make buildings sustainable and energy-efficient
- Explored careers in building design, engineering, and environmental design
- Connected with other students who share their passion for building a better world
- Experienced problem identification, teamwork, collaboration, problem-solving
Class time is Monday - Friday from 9am - 4pm
|
Time |
Activity |
|
9:00am |
Reflections / Finish Digital Designs |
|
10:00am |
Begin Balsa Wood Structure 1 |
|
12:00-1:00pm |
Lunch |
|
1:00pm |
Drone Exercise |
|
2:00pm |
Makerspace for 3-D Printing |
|
3:00pm |
Balsa Wood Structure 1 |
|
4:00pm |
End of Day |
In the evenings and on weekends resident counselors will run a series of social activities. Students are encouraged to join in, relax and have fun with new friends! With social events on campus and in the surrounding Amherst area, and access to the UMass Recreation & Wellness Center, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Learn more about student life at UMass Amherst Summer Pre-College
Meet the Faculty
Michael McNally, Lecturer, Department of Environmental Conservation
Prior to joining UMass, Mr. McNally worked for the Massachusetts State Police, where he most recently supervised the Commonwealth Critical Infrastructure Program, which was tasked with enhancing security, resiliency, and protection of critical infrastructure and key resources. He also led many complex forensic investigations and taught courses at the State Police Academy.
Two overseas deployments as a United States Marine in the mid-2000s formed his interest in building design, resiliency, and energy efficiency. This experience also promoted his belief in the value of collaboration, communication, and leadership.
A builder and avid woodworker, Professor McNally’s research interests include indoor air quality, digital design, mass timber products, housing availability and affordability, and certification programs such as LEED and Passive House. Professor McNally teaches courses in energy-efficient building, communications in construction, construction logistics, and a leadership course.
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