OVERVIEW & OBJECTIVES

This ESL lesson plan on 3D printed houses offers engaging activities, PDF worksheets, and digital materials designed for advanced C1 students. In this lesson, students will:

• Discuss the design, style, and materials of different types of homes.
• Examine key details about 3D printed houses from a video.
• Speak about the potential benefits and challenges of 3D printed homes in modern construction.
• Read an advanced letter to a house construction company with specific construction requests.
• Learn grammar about causative verbs and how the causative form is structured.
• Do a creative activity where they design and present their dream home or remodeled home.

PREVIEW & DISCUSSION

In the preview section of this ESL lesson on 3D printed houses, students analyze images of different types of homes, from traditional brick townhouses to futuristic 3D printed structures. They will describe the materials and styles used in each home and identify which designs are conventional or unconventional. They will discuss their thoughts on which house might be the most or least appealing to live in and why. Afterward, they will speculate about the construction methods for each home and identify the 3D printed house in the images. Additionally, students will discuss the impact of 3D printing on the housing market and construction industry and reflect on whether this technology could address the housing markets. Finally, students will debate whether some statements about 3D printed houses are fact or fiction, which will serve as a prediction-based exercise for the video.

VIEWING ACTIVITY

The video in this lesson introduces the concept of 3D printed houses, where large robots create walls faster and cheaper than traditional construction methods. The houses are not only more energy-efficient but also designed to withstand natural disasters. In this part of the lesson, students watch the video and engage in several activities. First, they match sentences about the 3D printing process with their correct endings, helping them understand key details. Then, they answer questions about real-world projects using 3D printed homes, such as those in Italy and California, and discuss the benefits these houses offer. They will also identify the type of gap 3D printing is filling in the housing market. Finally, students listen for specific phrases and expressions in the video.

DISCUSSION & GRAMMAR

After watching the video, students will discuss the most surprising or thought-provoking ideas presented. They will also compare the housing market in their own areas with the competitive market in Austin, Texas, as featured in the video. Students also share their opinions on whether 3D printed houses could be successful in their location and whether they would personally consider living in one. Following the discussion, students read an email about an eco-friendly home construction project and analyze the use of the causative form in the message. They will then discuss their own experiences or thoughts on home improvement projects, using the causative form in their conversations.

DREAM, BUILD, & REMODEL: YOUR IDEAL HOME PROJECT

For the activation task, students choose from two options to design and present their ideal home. In Option A, students will brainstorm and describe a dream home, detailing its location, aesthetic style, construction materials, and unique features. They will then present their ideas to classmates, explaining why these choices suit their lifestyle and personal preferences. In Option B, students will discuss home improvement projects they would like to carry out, from structural upgrades to landscaping changes. In both cases, students will use the causative form to express how they would want specific tasks done by a construction team. These activities will help students practice their speaking and listening skills while reinforcing the grammar points introduced earlier in the lesson.

BENEFITS OF USING THIS 3D PRINTED HOUSES ESL LESSON PLAN

This 3D printed houses ESL lesson plan provides numerous benefits for teachers looking to engage advanced C1 students with an innovative and practical topic. Students can practice their listening skills and expand their vocabulary related to construction and technology. The lesson also encourages critical thinking as students discuss the potential of 3D printing in the housing market and its social impact. With a mix of creative activities and grammar practice, this lesson allows students to apply what they've learned in real-world scenarios. The lesson's flexibility also supports varied classroom settings, whether in-person or online.