The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Energy Efficient Home Design Challenge

Energy Efficient Home Design Challenge

An 8th grade STEM lesson

Lesson 2 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.

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

Objectives:

I am learning how principles of thermal energy transfer apply to developing an energy efficient house.

I am learning to apply the engineering design process by researching science concepts related to the problem and brainstorming possible solutions.

Agenda

Lesson 2:

60 minutes:

5 minutes: Introduction-Brainstorming solutions

50 minutes-Constraints, materials, & research

5 minutes- Closure

Intro/Driving Question/Opening

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What is brainstorming? How does it support developing an efficient solution?

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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.
• The following websites support data collection & concept research:

Thermal Energy Transfer

Energy Efficiency at Home

Energy Efficient House

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Assessment

Assess the researched concepts for thorough understanding of thermal energy transfer.

Assess models of brainstormed design solutions for clarity and proper labels.

Assess team collaboration in brainstorming process.

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

Differentiation

Supply students with vocabulary supports for thermal energy concepts such as conduction, convection, radiation, kinetic theory of matter and thermal conductivity.

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Provide notes on interactives that highlight the key takeaways regarding science concepts.

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Provide verbal and written prompts for the engineering design process graphic organizers/worksheets.

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Peer partner students intentionally and with student needs in mind.

Accommodations/Modifications

Extension/Enrichment

Have students construct a claim to answer the following prompt.

What insulative materials or construction design methods increase the efficiency of a house maintaining its warmth in cold weather?

Have students support their claim with evidence cited from research. Have them provide reasoning for how the evidence supports their claim.

Students can produce an oral presentation or a written explanation. Expectations can align with time constraints and student ability.