Chapter 6 – Designing the Universal Dwelling |
| Activity Summaries |
Physics Principles |
Activity 1: Factors in Designing the “Universal Dwelling”
Examining characteristics of houses designed for a variety of geographic locations introduces students to the concept of form and function in a home. They then list features necessary for a universal dwelling.
| - Form and Function
- Analyzing and Interpreting Data
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Activity 2: What is the “Right Size” for a Universal Dwelling?
After researching and analyzing data on living space in sample homes, students plan the design of their universal dwelling and calculate the necessary dimensions of each room based on its function. They conclude by drawing a floor plan.
| - Analyzing and Interpreting Data
- Models, Measurements,
and Scale
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Activity 3: The Shape of the “Universal Dwelling”
Students examine their floor plans, applying knowledge of area, perimeter, and volume to decide if the planned living space is maximized while building materials are minimized. They then refine their plans to reflect what was learned from investigating size as compared to form and function of rooms in other dwellings.
| - Applying Measurement
and Data to Predictions
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Activity 4: Solar Heat Flow...
This activity confronts students with implications of shape and size on occupants of the home. Students construct a model of the home, then use a heat lamp and temperature probe to investigate interior light and heat during a simulated day and night. This also introduces the use of passive solar designs for light and heat in the home.
| - Radiant Energy
- Energy Transfer
- Passive Solar Heating
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Activity 5: The Role of Insulation...
Students expand their understanding of solar heat by exploring the affect of different types of insulation in an experiment with hot and cold water. They apply data collected to plan how to maintain a stable temperature inside the home. Students read to learn about transfer of radiant energy through conduction and convection.
| - Energy Transfer
- Heat Conduction
- Heating and Cooling Curves
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Activity 6: Investigating Insulation Placement...
Students collect and compare temperature data during simulated 24-hour cycles for different types, thickness, and placement of insulation in the ceilings and walls of their model homes. Interpretation of this data combined with new understanding of heat loss and gain is used to further refine design of the home.
| - Energy Transfer
- Heat Loss Through Conduction
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Activity 7: The Role of Windows...
Light and ventilation are the focus of this activity as students plan and test placement, size, and materials of windows. As they continue experimenting with passive solar heating and lighting, they are challenged to again consider heat loss when an insulated wall is replaced with a window.
| - Energy Transfer
- Heat Loss Through Conduction
- Passive Solar Heating
- Passive Solar Lighting
|
Activity 8: Investigating Overhangs and Awnings
Students investigate the affect of the angle of the sun’s rays in different geographic regions in a simulation with heat lamps and temperature probes. Overhangs and awnings are added to the house to compensate for increased interior temperature. Students then have the opportunity to further refine the design of their dwelling to maximize use of passive solar heating and lighting.
| - Energy Transfer
- Passive Solar Heating
- Passive Solar Lighting
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Activity 9: Too Hot, Too Cold, Just Right
Students will be able to experimentally determine the final temperature when two liquids of different temperatures are mixed, determine the final temperature when a hot metal is added to cold water, and calculate the heat lost and the heat gained of two objects after they are placed in thermal contact. They will also determine if energy is conserved when two objects are placed in thermal contact and reach an equilibrium temperature, and explain the concept of entropy as it relates to objects placed in thermal contact.
| - Heating and cooling curves
- Irreversibility of heat
- Specific heat
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