Part b: conduct background research 50
research is the first step in engineering an eco-friendly home that saves energy and protects biodiversity. begin by selecting a location for your house anywhere in the united states. you could choose your own neighborhood or pick a location in a different state.

find the zip code for the location you chose. for large cities, it might be to use a gps app such as google maps to pinpoint the exact zip code where you want to set your house.

next, use the zip code to conduct online research about the energy needs and current biodiversity threats in that location. here are some questions that your research could

what type of area is it? is it a city, a suburb, or a rural area?
what is the main source of energy used to heat the homes there? (possibilities include electricity, propane, natural gas, and oil.)
does the area currently have cleaner energy alternatives available? (alternatives include solar power and hydroelectric power.)
what is the climate of the area? how does the climate relate to the energy needs of the home?
does the area have any unique resource challenges? for example, you can conduct research on whether the area is prone to droughts or floods, has a polluted water supply, or has power outages caused by weather.
how does the city or town dispose of household waste? is it stored or is it destroyed? is there a recycling program or a composting program?
does the region have any biodiversity challenges? does the region have any endangered species, habitat loss, pollution, or invasive species?
write 1-2 paragraphs explaining the findings of your research.