12th Grade

Essential Question: How can tiny homes be used to address housing challenges in City Heights and other San Diego neighborhoods?

Through this cross-disciplinary capstone project, students will explore how tiny homes can help address housing challenges in San Diego. In Engineering, students will design tiny homes using Revit, while Construction students will bring designs to life by building tiny homes in their capstone course. In Government and Economics, students will investigate the history of housing development in San Diego, analyze factors affecting housing affordability, and evaluate the potential impact of tiny homes on communities such as City Heights. In English Language Arts, students will develop advocacy writing and presentations to the San Diego Unified School District, proposing the use of student-designed tiny homes at the Safe Parking site at the former Central Elementary location. By combining design, construction, policy, and communication, students will develop innovative solutions to one of the region's most pressing issues.

In Building Scaled Structures, students will construct real, full-scale tiny homes using established plans and industry standards. They will apply hands-on construction skills, safety practices, and building techniques to frame, assemble, and finish livable structures. Students will work collaboratively through each phase of the building process, gaining experience in real-world construction while contributing directly to the Tiny Home Project and the development of practical housing solutions.

In Honors Architecture and Design, students will study principles of architecture, sustainable design, and human-centered planning while exploring real-world housing challenges in San Diego. They will develop and refine design concepts for tiny homes, create drawings and models, and apply design thinking to improve functionality, livability, and community impact. Students will also analyze how architecture can respond to issues of affordability, space, and equity, connecting their work directly to the broader cross-disciplinary Tiny Home Project.

In this 12th Grade Government and Economics project, students will examine the history of housing development in San Diego and explore the economic and governmental factors that influence housing availability and affordability. Students will investigate the causes of the region's housing shortage, rising housing costs, and the challenges many residents face in securing affordable housing.

As part of this investigation, students will evaluate the role that tiny homes could play in addressing housing needs. They will analyze how tiny homes may impact housing supply, affordability, and community development while considering both the benefits and limitations of this housing model. Students will also examine local and state laws, zoning regulations, and permitting requirements that may encourage or create barriers to the development of tiny homes.

A major component of the project will focus on the City Heights community. Students will research the history of housing in City Heights, assess current housing challenges, and evaluate how the introduction of tiny homes could affect housing availability, affordability, neighborhood character, and economic opportunity. Using data, historical evidence, and public policy analysis, students will develop informed conclusions and recommendations regarding the potential role of tiny homes in addressing housing challenges in City Heights and throughout San Diego.

In English Language Arts, students will focus on research, writing, and advocacy connected to housing challenges in San Diego. They will develop persuasive arguments and public-facing materials that communicate the need for innovative housing solutions, including tiny homes. Students will craft presentations and written proposals to the San Diego Unified School District, advocating for the use of student-informed ideas at the Safe Parking site at the former Central Elementary location as part of the broader Tiny Home Project.