Curated OER
Improving the HVAC System
Students describe the components of an HVAC system and determine which factors influence how efficient the system can be. They work together to develop hypotheses about the systems and their cost effectiveness and efficiency.
Curated OER
The Envelope System: A Partial Solution
Studnet identify examples of conduction, convection and radiation. They develop an example of a building envelope. They also describe how heat transfer mechanisms can affect home energy costs.
Curated OER
Understanding the Indoor Environment: The Movement of Air
Students discuss HVAC to assess prior knowledge. Students create a rubric to assess their modals of HVAC units, and build the models according to instructions and discussion by the teacher.
Curated OER
Movement of Air Diorama Activity
Students make a diorama to illustrate the process of mechanical airflow. In this movement of air lesson, students discuss ventilation and air movement indoors. Students discuss ventilation systems and study pictures of the systems....
Curated OER
Passive Solar Design
Students study what passive solar design is for buildings and structures. For this solar design lesson students identify passive solar design techniques.
Curated OER
TE Lesson: I've Gotta Get Some Air
Students investigate types and sources of indoor air pollutions both at home and in school. They decide on how to prevent poor indoor air quality. They debate smoking in order to determine how language usage can be an influence in...
Other
Warm Air: Central Air Conditioning
The operation of conventional air conditioners are described. Their parts and the refrigerant/heat exchange cycle is discussed. The use of alternative geothermal systems are explained.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Swamp Cooler
Using a household fan, cardboard box and paper towels, student teams design and build an evaporative cooler (swamp cooler). They learn about the process that cools water during the evaporation of water. They make calculations to...
Other
Warmair.com: Programmable Thermostats
The virtues of programmable thermostats are discussed. Includes a section titled "Thermostat Set-back Calculation;" the visitor can enter the normal and an adjusted thermostat setting and an outdoor temperature and view the percent...
Other
Warm Air: Solar Heating
Solar heating systems and their operation are described, and their benefits, both economic and environmental are discussed in detail.
MadSci Network
Msn: How Does an Air Conditioner or Refrigerator Work?
From the Mad Scientist Network. Using a question and answer format, this page explains the answer to the question "How does An air conditioner or refrigerator work?" The scientific principles which underly their operation and the process...
Other
Warm Air: Heat Loss
An excellent page describing the variables which effect the heat loss through homes. The causes and sources of such heat loss are identified and explained. Lays the groundwork for understanding the importance of and need for home heating...
Other
Warmair.com: Heat Gain
An excellent page describing the variables lead to rising temperatures in the home. The causes and sources of such heat gain are identified and explained. Lays the groundwork for understanding the importance of and need for home air...
Other
Warm Air: Gas Furnace
Gas furnaces are described. The major parts of such a furnace and their respective role is discussed. Maintenance and troubleshooting tips are provided.
MadSci Network
How Come When You Open a Window the Door Is Pulled In?
From the Mad Scientist Network. Using a question and answer format, this page explains the answer to the question "How come when you open a window the door is pulled in?" This intriguing everyday phenomenon is explained in terms of air...
Other
Warm Air: Electric Furnace
Site describes Electric furnaces. The major parts of electric furnaces and their respective roles are discussed, and maintenance and troubleshooting tips are provided.