How to Build a Model Sod House

You can create a sod house model when studying the westward expansion.

People traveling across the country during the westward expansion would sometimes settle in areas that did not have enough trees to allow them to build a wood-frame home. In these circumstances, they would construct their dwellings out of materials that were plentiful, such as sod. Sod houses were sturdy enough to hold up to strong winds and harsh winters. When teaching students about the westward expansion, you can instruct them how to build a model sod house.

Things You'll Need

• Sod section, 18 inches square
• 1/4-inch wood dowel, 12 inches long

Instructions

1. Cut an 18-inch piece of sod into sections that measure 2 inches by 4 inches, leaving one piece measuring 4 inches by 8 inches.

2. Lay down a layer of sod onto a piece of cardboard in the shape of a "U." Place two pieces horizontally onto the cardboard near the top. These will be the back pieces. Place one piece of sod vertically on either side of the back pieces. These will be the side pieces. These pieces will collectively be the base of the sod house.

3. Continue adding layers of sod on top of the first layer until you have a sod structure that is around 4 inches tall.

4. Lay the larger piece of sod on top of the structure. This will be the roof of the sod house. An opening will be visible in the front of the sod house.

5. Use a hand saw to cut a 1/4-inch-thick dowel into two 4-inch-long sections.

6. Insert a dowel vertically on either side of the opening to keep the doorway from falling in. Place one dowel piece into the right side of the opening pressed against the right side wall, and one dowel piece into the left side of the opening pressed against the left side wall.

References

• Nebraska Studies: Living in a Sod House
• Nebraska Studies: Building a Sod House