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Lesson Plans

Lesson 1

Introduction, Advance Organizer, The Problem

Provides an introduction to the unit through the Advance Organizer (AO). The AO gives a unit overview using a Problem, Solution and Improving the Solution format. Lesson 1 also introduces the “Problem” specifically- exposure to heat, cold, wind and rain.

Lesson 2

The Envelope System: A Partial Solution

Defines a partial solution to The Problem - the structure or building envelope. The building envelope includes a building’s floor, walls, doors, windows, ceiling and roof. Heat loss and gain through the building envelope via conduction, convection and radiation are also introduced.

Lesson 3

Improving the Building Envelope System

Uses lab experiments to investigate how we can improve comfort and productivity in our buildings by reducing or limiting conduction, convection and radiation and controlling infiltration through the building envelope components.

Lesson 4

Improving the HVAC System Efficiency

Uses a PowerPoint presentation to provide information on how typical HVAC systems work, and includes discussions of several factors that help determine how efficiently a system does its job. An optional activity benchmarks your school’s energy use vs. other schools.

Lesson 5

Energy Sources

Introduces renewable and non-renewable energy sources and looks at some of the benefits and drawbacks of each. Ten major energy sources will be studied via a game format using the NEED Project’s Great Energy Debate Game.

Lessons 6-9 use Lighting in the Library as a mini-unit within BPM. The four lessons are separated into 50-minute segments for your convenience, but can be used as a single lesson.

Lesson 6

School Lighting Audit Preparation

School lighting audit preparation. Introduces the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lighting in the Library* lighting energy audit procedure. The audit purpose, procedures and specific terms are discussed.

Lesson 7

School Lighting Audit

The actual school lighting audit. Students gather data and make calculations to determine the current lighting use situation.

Lesson 8

School Lighting Audit Data Analysis

School lighting audit data analysis. Students analyze data from the school lighting audit, consider improvement options and write recommendations for more efficient lighting.

Lesson 9

School Lighting Audit Action Plan

School lighting audit action plan. Students develop an action plan and materials (e.g. PowerPoint, handouts, and/or other visual media) to present their data analysis results and recommendations. The action plan is then presented to classmates and/or administrators.

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