Windmills at Pincher Creek

Due November 12

Divide yourselves into groups of three or four, preferably a group that can gather outside of school hours - you may need to get together at someone's house on weekends or after school.

In your group, decide on which of the following issues that you would like to research, build and present to the class as a whole:

1. Issue: Alternate sources of energy.

The Problem:
You are to suggest alternative energy-efficient home heating systems for the Calgary City Council to examine. You believe that passive solar energy should be a part of the system you recommend. Because you know that it will not be possible to use solar heating all year, you plan to combine it with another heating method. Some people on city council see no need to make home heating more energy - efficient and are not convinced that passive solar heating works. How can you persuade them to your point of view?

Brainstorm ideas:

• Identify features of solar heating that make it efficient, what best combinations of heating methods might work, features of windows, colour of house, insulation, interior fabrics etc.
• Decide what areas of efficient heating need to be researched and allocate jobs to the group.

Communication:

• Produce a report on your model house - including visual aids and diagrams - to the city council. The report should include solar energy features, landscaping material and a description of the heating system. Use specific data to make very clear to the council how your system could cut on costs and save non-renewable resources.
• Be prepared to answer questions on why you made the choices you did and be able to defend your point of view.

The class will role play the city council (we'll elect a mayor!) for your presentation.

2. Issue: Mars Mission

It is expected that humans will land on the planet Mars in the first half of this century. The first colonists on Mars will need to deal with temperature as low as -1260C. As well, they will live through windstorms of up to 300 km/h. How will they stay warm?

The Problem:
Use what you have learned in this unit to design a home for these future colonists. Use a computer to help you make your presentation as professional as possible. Insulation should be a major feature in your design.

Criteria for Success:
Your design should reflect what you have learned in this unit. Your ideas for insulation materials should show your understanding of conductors and insulators. Keep in mind that the colonists will need to transport the building materials from Earth, so weight will need to be considered. Your design will not actually be built (unless you want to try a model), but try to make it as workable as possible.

Brainstorm ideas

• With your group that would fit the criteria. All serious ideas should be considered.
• Look for ways to blend the best of the groups ideas.

Design a model

• Use AppleWorks Draw program to make a three-dimensional design (use a scale) or make a model out of materials you find around your house.

Test and Evaluate

• How effectively would your design protect the colonists? How well is it insulated? How well does it show your understanding of heat and thermal energy? Make adjustments to improve your design.
• How practical is your design? Could it be workable on Mars?

Communicate:

• Organize your design and information into a presentation to give to the class. The class will role play being a Confederation Committee on housing who wish to be informed as to the best possible design and materials needed to construct livable housing on Mars.
• Be prepared to answer questions on why you made the choices you did and be able to defend your point of view.

3. Issue: Energy efficiency

Problem:
Your family is interested in purchasing a house that was built in 1920 but is being sold at a very reasonable price. The outside of the house is in good shape but they are very concerned about the large monthly heating bill. A real estate report provides clues to solving the problem.

• Inside the house in excellent condition - has many special features including hardwood flooring, oak paneling, variety of ceiling mouldings, sliding doors, carved staircase, south-facing sun porch (glass enclosed), stained-glass windows, four large fireplaces, 3 meter high ceilings.
• Original heating system (hot-water heating).
• Original single-pane windows
• Original insulation in attic
• Has new electrical wiring
• Landscaping consists of large lawn area, small shrubs and flowering plants.
  You family has a $50,000 budget to make changes to the house to make it livable.

Brainstorm ideas

• With your group, brainstorm ideas on how to reduce the heating bills. Make a list of all possible options. Collect information about costs of making changes to the house by writing letters, sending e-mail, making phone inquiries, visiting home improvement stores, checking on the Internet.
  Communication
• Prepare a written proposal that clearly explains what changes you would make and why. This proposal must be written using a Word Processor. Add graphics and visual aids to your report.
• Communicate your findings and recommendations to the class. They will role play being a very interested family - even if it is a large one!
• Be prepared to answer questions on why you made the choices you did and be able to defend your point of view.