Tech Directions - November 2008 - (Page 18)

Challenge Students to Design an Energy-Efficient Home By Jack Griffith goaliejg@mac.com OULDN’T it be great for your technology students to gain a practical understanding of how much energy the average home consumes and wastes, as well as how the construction technologies used in home design can affect the overall energy usage? Talk about making the connection between technology education and the students’ real world! In this activity, students will outline the cost of a home’s electrical system, give a breakdown of how much power the electrical appliances in the home consume, detail the amount of energy wasted, and learn about the energy-efﬁcient design and construction of a home. W used to construct and insulate a home. The teams will determine how much energy electrical equipment and appliances require. In addition, they will research the areas where energy is wasted in a home, as well as construction materials used in energy-efﬁcient homes. After this information has been gathered, students will conduct research regarding the currently available methods that homebuilders can use to reduce (perhaps even eliminate) a home electrical bill. This includes alternate methods of generating electricity at the home site, which would offset the home’s electrical power needs. Finally, teams will produce and present a formal design proposal. The Challenge: Greatest Reduction in Energy Use Each team will design a 1,200 sq. ft. home with the lowest possible overall energy usage. Homes will be single story with no basement, have typical electrical appliances and lighting, use currently available building products, as well as currently available innovations for reducing and producing energy for the home. Preliminary Design Ideas: A 2-D Rough Sketch Each team will develop a rough sketch of the single-story, 1,200 sq. ft. residence, located in an area typical to that of their community. During the rough sketch stage, students will discuss and determine the speciﬁc Activity Summary Following the ICA SOLUTION technological method (Table 1) and working in teams of three to ﬁve people, students will gather information, develop a design, and produce a proposal that outlines their recommendations for constructing an energy efﬁcient, energy self-sufﬁcient “green” home. Teams will ﬁrst determine the electrical appliances and other electrical items found in a typical 1,200 sq. ft. home, and then research various pieces of electrical equipment, along with the building materials Jack Grifﬁth is a technology education student, St. Petersburg College, Clearwater, FL. Table 1—ICA Solution (a technological method mnemonic) In technology education programs, one of the basic principles of technological design involves the technological method of problem solving. Although the process is often automatic for students exposed to this system, a simple mnemonic can serve to keep students on track during their projects. I—Identify the problem or opportunity. C—Criteria and constraints reviewed. A—Alternative solutions developed. S—Select best solution from the many alternatives. O—Overview of the solution in the form of a design proposal. L—Let models and prototypes test the solution. U—Use the most appropriate resources for the solution. T—Test and evaluate the solution per the criteria and constraints. I—Interpret all data and make revisions of the solution. O—Openly communicate the solution in written and oral format. N—Now the problem-solving method is complete. 18 techdirections ◆ NOVEMBER 2008

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Tech Directions - November 2008

Tech Directions - November 2008 Technically Speaking Contents Direct fromWashington The Report Technology’s Past Technology Today Mastering Computers Exploring Engineering—Pros Can Help Make It Real Challenge Students to Design an Energy-Efficient Home CTE Teacher Succession—Insuring a Smooth Transition Reservoir High’s TE Site Wins Web Site of the Month ACTE Convention and Career Tech Expo— Racing Toward Charlotte Hands-On Activities More than Fun

Tech Directions - November 2008

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