This project consisted of many components. Those components include designing a hot water heater, solar angles and how it changes through the seasons, day lighting design activity, site selection, materials testing, building design, and justification. All these components were difficult to tackle at some point, but managed to accomplish them. Our end result needed to be a house that could be stable under any circumstance. In order to make this house possible we had to assess all materials needed, and stick to a budget of $5,000.
Hot Water Heater-
Our goal through the hot water heater was to learn about radiation, convection, and conduction.
We were given specific directions on how to build our water heater. They told us what materials would be needed and how to build the model. The materials list included cardboard, a cardboard box, aluminum foil, copper tubing, plastic tubing, plastic wrap, insulation, paper bag, paint, and water. The cardboard box was the base for the project. Inside the box would be the a piece of card board covered in tinfoil and black paint. Then on top would be the copper tubing in the shape of an S. Then the box would be cover on top with plastic wrap to give a greenhouse effect. Also, we had a bag with insulation and a water bottle with plastic tubing coming out connected to the copper tubing so that the water from the bottle could reach the water heater. In the end the results turned out great. our water increased by 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Solar Angles and How it Changes During Seasons -
Solar angles are very important in knowing how day lighting works year round. The solar angles change every season because earth is tilted on an axis of 23.5 degrees. The earth is always revolving around the sun, this sis the reason of why we have different seasons thought the year.. Due to the fact the rays of light are tilted, less rays of light fit in an area. This is why we are able to get better sun light from the mid day sun.
Hot Water Heater-
Our goal through the hot water heater was to learn about radiation, convection, and conduction.
We were given specific directions on how to build our water heater. They told us what materials would be needed and how to build the model. The materials list included cardboard, a cardboard box, aluminum foil, copper tubing, plastic tubing, plastic wrap, insulation, paper bag, paint, and water. The cardboard box was the base for the project. Inside the box would be the a piece of card board covered in tinfoil and black paint. Then on top would be the copper tubing in the shape of an S. Then the box would be cover on top with plastic wrap to give a greenhouse effect. Also, we had a bag with insulation and a water bottle with plastic tubing coming out connected to the copper tubing so that the water from the bottle could reach the water heater. In the end the results turned out great. our water increased by 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Solar Angles and How it Changes During Seasons -
Solar angles are very important in knowing how day lighting works year round. The solar angles change every season because earth is tilted on an axis of 23.5 degrees. The earth is always revolving around the sun, this sis the reason of why we have different seasons thought the year.. Due to the fact the rays of light are tilted, less rays of light fit in an area. This is why we are able to get better sun light from the mid day sun.
Daylight Design-
The main objective of this activity was to see what day-lighting techniques worked best. We found that the skylights and picture windows worked very well. They allowed in the most amount of light, compared to the solar tubes, which didn't work well at all.
Some of the day-lighting techniques-
Skylights- a glazed opening in a roof to admit light.
Clerestory Windows - windows situated up high, not for view, but to catch sun rays that come in at higher angles.
Solar Tubes- opening lets in light, which bounces down reflective lining and into room.
Light Shelves- used to bounce light from the overhang on the sill, back into the room's ceiling which then reflects/diffuses light throughout the room.
The main objective of this activity was to see what day-lighting techniques worked best. We found that the skylights and picture windows worked very well. They allowed in the most amount of light, compared to the solar tubes, which didn't work well at all.
Some of the day-lighting techniques-
Skylights- a glazed opening in a roof to admit light.
Clerestory Windows - windows situated up high, not for view, but to catch sun rays that come in at higher angles.
Solar Tubes- opening lets in light, which bounces down reflective lining and into room.
Light Shelves- used to bounce light from the overhang on the sill, back into the room's ceiling which then reflects/diffuses light throughout the room.
Site Selection-
When we were selecting our site we checked out many places. The one spot that we all loved and found that was able to obtain the most sunlight was along Novato Boulevard. This spot had a solid, flat ground which makes building on it a lot easier. It also is very open to the public which is exactly what we wanted. Also, it gets a lot of sunlight and is accessible to all students. Lastly, it had bathrooms near by for the students if needed.
When we were selecting our site we checked out many places. The one spot that we all loved and found that was able to obtain the most sunlight was along Novato Boulevard. This spot had a solid, flat ground which makes building on it a lot easier. It also is very open to the public which is exactly what we wanted. Also, it gets a lot of sunlight and is accessible to all students. Lastly, it had bathrooms near by for the students if needed.
Materials Testing-
Problem:
Which building materials absorb or reflect the most heat? How long do they hold that heat? How quickly do those materials absorb heat?
In this experiment we were searching for the best materials for our energy efficient home. Our class came up with a well planned testing design. For our walls, flooring, roofing materials we held a light bulb over them and took the temperatures every 10 minutes for 80 minutes. The light bulb was held at 30 cm above the 1 sq.foot material, and all the bulbs were 100 watts. This was to ensure that they all were getting an even amount of heat in this experiment. For our insulation we took a beaker of got water and surrounded in in the insulation. Then we checked the temperature just like we did with the materials. Lastly we saw what the difference was and made a graph for it as well.
Materials Tested-
Flooring- Carpet, Dark Hardwood, Light Tile, Dark Granite, Bamboo
Interior Walls- White Drywall, White Board
Exterior Walls - Brick, Stucco, Redwood
Roofing- Aluminum, PVC, Corrugated Metal
Insulation- Jeans, Styrofoam, Fiberglass Batting, Spray foam
Building Design-
This part of the project was the most important of all. We spent weeks on creating a feasible design. Using the day-lighting techniques, materials testing, and the solar angles, we were able to design a model of our house. First of all, our blueprints were made. Before we could build a model we needs the blueprints to plan out how it would look and the amount of materials needed.My group made a Digital model of our house. It included all of our main key features. For our interior walls we used drywall, for exterior we used stucco, for our flooring we used bamboo, and for our roofing we used corrugated metal. The reasons we used these materials is because they fulfilled what we wanted for each parts of our structure. The drywall and bamboo was great at releasing the heat that was absorbed. The stucco was great at absorbing the heat.The corrugated metal was very good at reflecting the heat, which will be most helpful in the summer. Other key features include our East wall which contained 3 clerestory windows, which allowed light to bounce into the room. On our south wall we had one big picture window which was great at bringing in light from all angles. On the roof we had 2 skylights which, were great at bringing in the mid day sun, and our roof was also slanted so that the rain would slide right off ans allow the maximum amount of light in.
The budget we were given was $5,000, but my group managed to only use $3,210.88. This amount includes tax, and we were able to save over $1,500 for the school. We planned on using our structure for a student lounge or a tutoring center, but it could have many other uses as well.
Problem:
Which building materials absorb or reflect the most heat? How long do they hold that heat? How quickly do those materials absorb heat?
In this experiment we were searching for the best materials for our energy efficient home. Our class came up with a well planned testing design. For our walls, flooring, roofing materials we held a light bulb over them and took the temperatures every 10 minutes for 80 minutes. The light bulb was held at 30 cm above the 1 sq.foot material, and all the bulbs were 100 watts. This was to ensure that they all were getting an even amount of heat in this experiment. For our insulation we took a beaker of got water and surrounded in in the insulation. Then we checked the temperature just like we did with the materials. Lastly we saw what the difference was and made a graph for it as well.
Materials Tested-
Flooring- Carpet, Dark Hardwood, Light Tile, Dark Granite, Bamboo
Interior Walls- White Drywall, White Board
Exterior Walls - Brick, Stucco, Redwood
Roofing- Aluminum, PVC, Corrugated Metal
Insulation- Jeans, Styrofoam, Fiberglass Batting, Spray foam
Building Design-
This part of the project was the most important of all. We spent weeks on creating a feasible design. Using the day-lighting techniques, materials testing, and the solar angles, we were able to design a model of our house. First of all, our blueprints were made. Before we could build a model we needs the blueprints to plan out how it would look and the amount of materials needed.My group made a Digital model of our house. It included all of our main key features. For our interior walls we used drywall, for exterior we used stucco, for our flooring we used bamboo, and for our roofing we used corrugated metal. The reasons we used these materials is because they fulfilled what we wanted for each parts of our structure. The drywall and bamboo was great at releasing the heat that was absorbed. The stucco was great at absorbing the heat.The corrugated metal was very good at reflecting the heat, which will be most helpful in the summer. Other key features include our East wall which contained 3 clerestory windows, which allowed light to bounce into the room. On our south wall we had one big picture window which was great at bringing in light from all angles. On the roof we had 2 skylights which, were great at bringing in the mid day sun, and our roof was also slanted so that the rain would slide right off ans allow the maximum amount of light in.
The budget we were given was $5,000, but my group managed to only use $3,210.88. This amount includes tax, and we were able to save over $1,500 for the school. We planned on using our structure for a student lounge or a tutoring center, but it could have many other uses as well.
Blueprints
Justification-
As a class we created a justification piece which included the pros and cons of an energy efficient home. You could probably guess that the weather isn't always that reliable, but due to the fact that energy efficient things have to relay on the weather. Between wind and the sun, energy for our lives is created. Although there are nuclear plants and other thing being used for energy they all have an impact on our ecosystem and economy. If you take look at our document you can see all of this into depth.
As a class we created a justification piece which included the pros and cons of an energy efficient home. You could probably guess that the weather isn't always that reliable, but due to the fact that energy efficient things have to relay on the weather. Between wind and the sun, energy for our lives is created. Although there are nuclear plants and other thing being used for energy they all have an impact on our ecosystem and economy. If you take look at our document you can see all of this into depth.
Physics Concepts-
Conduction - transfer of heat through a material
Convection - transfer of heat through a fluid
Radiation - energy transmitted as rays, waves, or particles
Heat - a form of energy (Q)
Thermal Conductivity - Heat travels from places of lower pressure to higher pressure, or from hot places to colder places. This is why "coldness" is simply the absence of heat. The reason why your hand feels cold after touching ice is because the heat has left your hand and traveled into the ice, melting it. However, touching carpet doesn't have the same effect because it is not a good conductor, and therefore doesn't take as much heat from your hand.
Fluids - a substance, liquid or gas, that is capable of flowing and that changes its shape to fit its container
Pressure - the exertion of force upon a surface by an object, fluid, etc. Pressure is Force / Area, and directly correlates to depth. The deeper you go, the more pressure there is. Every 10.3 meters downward, there is half less air, and it doesn't matter where you are. If you're at the bottom of a 10.3 meter pool in Hawaii, you are under the same amount of pressure as a person 10.3 meters underneath the Mediterranean Sea.
Archimedes' Principle - "An immersed object is buoyed up by a force equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces." This principle that Archimedes came up with is still used today whenever we think about object displacement.
Buoyancy - ability to float or rise in a fluid. An object must have a density less than the fluid it's in if it wants to have any chance of floating. Water, for example, has a density of 1. Anything with less density than 1 therefore floats .Objects with a density greater than one, like a rock, immediately sink. However, there are ways to bypass this law, and that is by filling the said object with lots of air.
Gases - a substance possessing perfect molecular mobility and the property of indefinite expansion, as opposed to a solid or liquid. Gases make up the air around us, which is measured by an instrument called a barometer. Gases have high molecular action, and therefore gases with higher temperatures have lower pressure because the same atoms are just taking up more space, and therefore aren't as rigid and able to bear down pressure.
Boyle's Law - the principle that pressure and volume of a gas have an inverse relationship. It describes how the pressure of gas tends to decrease as the volume of a gas increases.
Ideal Gas Law - Pressure x Volume = # of atoms x constant x temperature (P V = n R T )
Bernoulli's Principle - In fluid dynamics, Bernoulli's principle states that for a flow, and increase in the speed of the fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure or a decrease in the fluid's potential energy.
Laws of Thermodynamics - There are four main laws of thermodynamics; the 0th, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
The 0th law explains temperature, and states that if two systems are in thermal equilibrium with a third system, they are also in equilibrium with each other. (Transitive Property: if a = b, b = c, then a = c.)
The 1st law explains conservation of energy, stating that energy is neither created nor destroyed, and that heat is a form of energy.
The 2nd law is about how entropy increases; as time passes, energy gets more and more "messy and unstable." For example, the sun gives of significant quantities of energy, but as it does so, it becomes more unstable until it will eventually explode.
The 3rd law simply states that temperature can never get down to absolute zero. The idea of absolutely no molecular action is merely theoretical, as heat always exists, even if it's very very slight.
Specific Heat - a physical property of matter that states the heat capacity of a certain object. Objects with higher numbers take longer to heat up, but also take longer to cool down. Objects with low specific heat capacities heat up quickly, but also lose that heat relatively fast as well.
Conversion of Temperature - Fahrenheit = Celsius x (9/5) + 32. Celsius = (5/9) (Fahrenheit - 32)
Reflection-
In this project I definitely learned a lot, and have a lot to reflect upon. I learned that not everything will go my way, that patience is always needed. Also, that I wont always be with the people I want, but I have to work with them so that I can get things done. Despite the differences of opinion in my group m, I feel that we did a great job completing such a complicated, intimidating project. We didn't give up when some of the workloads got heavy, and I felt that we completed our project as well as we could. Although there were times where we got lazy, we were able to talk and get each other motivated again. I believe that communication in the project was very huge and with out it the project wouldn't of been completed. Sometimes we would complete something, but only to realize we forgot something. Going over, and fixing mistakes happened a lot over the course of this project. You always want to be careful and check your work. In the end we did complete everything, and have it all as close to perfect as we could get them. My group may have not been the best, but we are only teenagers. We all tried our hardest on this project and I am proud of the completion.
I believe that theirs always things to learn from the projects we do in STEM. Many knew concepts were learned through this project. Not only did we learn concepts, but we learned how to think outside the box. It took a lot of thinking, and creative thoughts to come up with most of this project. One thing I didn't mention above was the wind turbine lab. That lab was all about creative thinking. It definitely made me use my thinking cap. Whenever we made an idea of what to do, we had to test it, and if it didn't work we would try again. Not giving up, or getting frustrated in this project was very valuable. Patience like i said made this project happen, without nothing would of been finished. I really enjoyed this project and go a lot of things out of this.
Conduction - transfer of heat through a material
Convection - transfer of heat through a fluid
Radiation - energy transmitted as rays, waves, or particles
Heat - a form of energy (Q)
Thermal Conductivity - Heat travels from places of lower pressure to higher pressure, or from hot places to colder places. This is why "coldness" is simply the absence of heat. The reason why your hand feels cold after touching ice is because the heat has left your hand and traveled into the ice, melting it. However, touching carpet doesn't have the same effect because it is not a good conductor, and therefore doesn't take as much heat from your hand.
Fluids - a substance, liquid or gas, that is capable of flowing and that changes its shape to fit its container
Pressure - the exertion of force upon a surface by an object, fluid, etc. Pressure is Force / Area, and directly correlates to depth. The deeper you go, the more pressure there is. Every 10.3 meters downward, there is half less air, and it doesn't matter where you are. If you're at the bottom of a 10.3 meter pool in Hawaii, you are under the same amount of pressure as a person 10.3 meters underneath the Mediterranean Sea.
Archimedes' Principle - "An immersed object is buoyed up by a force equal to the weight of the fluid it displaces." This principle that Archimedes came up with is still used today whenever we think about object displacement.
Buoyancy - ability to float or rise in a fluid. An object must have a density less than the fluid it's in if it wants to have any chance of floating. Water, for example, has a density of 1. Anything with less density than 1 therefore floats .Objects with a density greater than one, like a rock, immediately sink. However, there are ways to bypass this law, and that is by filling the said object with lots of air.
Gases - a substance possessing perfect molecular mobility and the property of indefinite expansion, as opposed to a solid or liquid. Gases make up the air around us, which is measured by an instrument called a barometer. Gases have high molecular action, and therefore gases with higher temperatures have lower pressure because the same atoms are just taking up more space, and therefore aren't as rigid and able to bear down pressure.
Boyle's Law - the principle that pressure and volume of a gas have an inverse relationship. It describes how the pressure of gas tends to decrease as the volume of a gas increases.
Ideal Gas Law - Pressure x Volume = # of atoms x constant x temperature (P V = n R T )
Bernoulli's Principle - In fluid dynamics, Bernoulli's principle states that for a flow, and increase in the speed of the fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure or a decrease in the fluid's potential energy.
Laws of Thermodynamics - There are four main laws of thermodynamics; the 0th, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
The 0th law explains temperature, and states that if two systems are in thermal equilibrium with a third system, they are also in equilibrium with each other. (Transitive Property: if a = b, b = c, then a = c.)
The 1st law explains conservation of energy, stating that energy is neither created nor destroyed, and that heat is a form of energy.
The 2nd law is about how entropy increases; as time passes, energy gets more and more "messy and unstable." For example, the sun gives of significant quantities of energy, but as it does so, it becomes more unstable until it will eventually explode.
The 3rd law simply states that temperature can never get down to absolute zero. The idea of absolutely no molecular action is merely theoretical, as heat always exists, even if it's very very slight.
Specific Heat - a physical property of matter that states the heat capacity of a certain object. Objects with higher numbers take longer to heat up, but also take longer to cool down. Objects with low specific heat capacities heat up quickly, but also lose that heat relatively fast as well.
Conversion of Temperature - Fahrenheit = Celsius x (9/5) + 32. Celsius = (5/9) (Fahrenheit - 32)
Reflection-
In this project I definitely learned a lot, and have a lot to reflect upon. I learned that not everything will go my way, that patience is always needed. Also, that I wont always be with the people I want, but I have to work with them so that I can get things done. Despite the differences of opinion in my group m, I feel that we did a great job completing such a complicated, intimidating project. We didn't give up when some of the workloads got heavy, and I felt that we completed our project as well as we could. Although there were times where we got lazy, we were able to talk and get each other motivated again. I believe that communication in the project was very huge and with out it the project wouldn't of been completed. Sometimes we would complete something, but only to realize we forgot something. Going over, and fixing mistakes happened a lot over the course of this project. You always want to be careful and check your work. In the end we did complete everything, and have it all as close to perfect as we could get them. My group may have not been the best, but we are only teenagers. We all tried our hardest on this project and I am proud of the completion.
I believe that theirs always things to learn from the projects we do in STEM. Many knew concepts were learned through this project. Not only did we learn concepts, but we learned how to think outside the box. It took a lot of thinking, and creative thoughts to come up with most of this project. One thing I didn't mention above was the wind turbine lab. That lab was all about creative thinking. It definitely made me use my thinking cap. Whenever we made an idea of what to do, we had to test it, and if it didn't work we would try again. Not giving up, or getting frustrated in this project was very valuable. Patience like i said made this project happen, without nothing would of been finished. I really enjoyed this project and go a lot of things out of this.