The BEAM Project: Building Efficient Architectural Models

Description:
This activity allows students the opportunity to explore materials used in architectural engineering and gain an understanding of their insolating properties. Students will research, design, build, test and improve a structure as to achieve the highest energy efficiency possible. Structures will be tested outside on a sunny day for eight hours with temperature changes being recorded each hour. Students will gain an understanding of how the combination of building location and orientation along with building design and materials can greatly affect the energy efficiency of a building. PURPOSE: To increase the students awareness of energy use and efficiency in homes To apply knowledge of energy use and efficiency to real life situations To compare different building materials and techniques to achieve the most efficient outcome

Web Location:
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/education/lessonplans/plans.aspx?id=308