Tech Directions - November 2008 - (Page 19)

Brain Starter Web Sites Here are a few web sites to get your research efforts started. This is by no means an exhaustive list; many other good (and not so good) sites exist. Remember that the constraint is to use currently available technologies and materials in the design of the home. http://tacoma.apogee.net/rescalc/—home energy calculator www.awea.org/faq/smsyslst.html—information on small wind turbines www.southwestpv.com/home_solutions/—information on solar energy usage in the home www.solarroofs.com/—information on solar water heating www.builtgreen.net/—information on building green www.nesea.org/—information on sustainable energy www.oksolar.com/technical/solar_system_size.htm—information on solar system calculator www.naima.org/pages/resources/faq/faq_home.html—information on home insulation www.gepower.com/prod_serv/products/solar/en/faqs/resid_sys.htm—information on home solar systems pieces of electrical equipment in the home. They will also discuss and determine materials used in constructing the home and possible alternative energy generation efforts. Note that the components of the physical structure (e.g., the orientation on the site, ceiling heights, number and types of windows and doors, types and amount of insulating products) will affect energy conservation or loss. See the list of Brain Starter web sites or search the Internet for such topics as energy-use calculators, wind turbines, solar water heaters, solar home heating systems, green construction, sustainable energy, and home insulation. The Written Proposal The team will now review all information gathered and organize ﬁndings in a formal, word-processed and printed design proposal. The proposal will have at least 7 pages, including a cover page with team members’ names and a reference page showing web sites or other references. The proposal will also describe the process the team took to acquire information and how team members applied the technological method of problem solving. The proposal will present the solution the team developed, show a matrix of the energy used by each appliance per year, and discuss energy produced or saved by their design. The home design drawing, with drawings or images of the selected appliances and structural elements, will be part of the formal proposal. Drawing a Detailed Floor Plan Teams will now generate a scale drawing (1/2" = 1') of the residence showing external and internal walls, window and door openings, and electrical appliance locations. (There is no need to include interior furnishings or nonelectrical ﬁxture designations, although these elements should be taken into consideration— for example, a 4' × 4' bathroom could not contain a 5'-long bath tub.) The ﬁnished drawing will be produced on 22" × 28" poster board, centered so as to allow for callouts around the perimeter that identify appliances and structural elements, as well as innovative technologies that would reduce or replace the need for purchased power. Appliance and structural elements can be represented around the perimeter with drawings or color images. Oral Presentation Finally, the team will present the results of their project, with all team members sharing in the delivery of the various portions of the design proposal. As an example, one person could summarize the report, one summarize the matrix, one present the drawing, and another discuss the innovative energy-saving or powergenerating technologies they found. Researching and Developing the Proposal After establishing the criteria for electrical appliances and structural elements regarding energy loss, teams will continue research to determine speciﬁc equipment needs and speciﬁc structural energy loss numbers using a 12-month format matrix. Teams will revise and adjust their initial design proposal as they conduct further research. The instructor will conduct a brief review session with each team to determine their focus and research ﬁndings to this point, and he or she will assist by offering suggestions and recommendations. An expanded version of this article provides ready-to-use student handouts, a vocabulary list, student quiz, and grading rubric. Please visit www.techdirections.com/projectsB. html and order “Energy-Efficient Home Design.” Standards for Technological Literacy (STL) Objectives Met STL.5.K Identify technologies devised to reduce the negative consequences of other technologies. STL.8.K Recognize the design process. STL.8.K List competing requirements of a design. STL.11.P Evaluate the design solution using conceptual, physical, and mathematical models. STL.13.K Synthesize data, analyze trends, and draw conclusions regarding the effect of technology on the individual, society, and the environment. STL.20.K Identify a variety of processes and procedures used in constructing structures. STL.20.M Identify prefabricated materials used in some structures. www.techdirections.com CONSTRUCTION/POWER & ENERGY 19 http://tacoma.apogee.net/rescalc/ http://www.awea.org/faq/smsyslst.html http://www.southwestpv.com/home_solutions/ http://www.solarroofs.com/ http://www.builtgreen.net/ http://www.nesea.org http://www.oksolar.com/technical/solar_system_size.htm http://www.naima.org/pages/resources/faq/faq_home.html http://www.gepower.com/prod_serv/products/solar/en/faqs/resid_sys.htm http://www.techdirections.com/projectsB.html http://www.techdirections.com/projectsB.html http://www.techdirections.com

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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