The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Energy Efficient Home Design Challenge: Day 3 of 4

Energy Efficient Home Design Challenge

An 8th grade STEM lesson

Lesson 3 of 4

Janae Jones

November 22, 2023

Notes for teachers

• Students should work in groups of 4 to collaborate together.
• It’s possible to reduce the needed number of infrared thermometers to have two groups share 1 thermometer. Have them start their trials at a staggered pace and they can share the thermometer easily.
• Lessons from this Unit

List of Materials

• chromebooks for internet research and interactives
• Engineering Design Process worksheets
• Manilla Folders 2 per group
• Scissors
• Tape
• Light bulb & lamp fixture with clip
• Insulation materials: bubble wrap, felt, foam sheet, and foam board
• Small thermometers (1 per group)
• Infrared thermometers (1 per group)
• Slideshow presentation

Standards

8.P4U2.5

Develop a solution to increase efficiency when transferring energy from one source to another.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

https://www.azed.gov/sites/default/files/2019/04/SEPS%20Progression%20Matrix%20of%20Elements.pdf?id=5ca3a43c1dcb250bacfab550

Objective:

​

I am learning to apply the engineering design process by building, testing, evaluating, and redesigning a solution to a problem.

Agenda

Lesson 3:

60 minutes:

5 minutes: Introduction-Testing & Redesigning

50 minutes-Build, Test, Evaluate, Redesign

5 minutes- Closure

Intro/Driving Question/Opening

​

​

Why does the brainstorming process from yesterday help to make the best solution?

​

Why is it important to test and make adjustments based on the results of testing the prototype?

​

​

​

Hands-on Activity Instructions

• Suggested group: 4 members per design team
• Step by step instructions (use the attached powerpoint for step by step support)
• Use these worksheets to guide teams in the design process.
• Depending on the light bulb socket system you have available you can change this cut out size.

​

​

​

Assessment

Assess the quality of construction on the prototype.

Assess the data collected and the redesign solutions based on challenges the group had.

End of unit evaluation: Use the rubric located in the packet of worksheets to allow students and teachers to evaluate.

Differentiation

Check in often with students that need assistance.

Provide index cards with examples of good models.

Provide checklists or graphic organizers with modeling components.

Peer partner students intentionally and with student needs in mind.

Accommodations/Modifications

Extension/Enrichment

Students can research the infrared thermometer and the infrared gun used in lesson one to detect leaks in buildings.

Students research what science principles are at work within the system, what technology is necessary for it to function, and how have these tools impacted individuals and communities.