May 15th - Thursday - Science

 

The Sun

 

Environmental Science - 05.13.2025

Building an Energy Efficient House

Part A: Questions

1. What building material is best known for its insulating properties?

2. What is the primary purpose of insulation in an energy-efficient home?

3. Solar panels work best when installed on roofs that face which direction (in the Northern Hemisphere)?

4. What does the term “passive solar design” refer to?

5. Which of these appliances usually consumes the most energy in a home?
A. Refrigerator
B. Dishwasher
C. HVAC system (heating and cooling)
D. Microwave

Part B: True or False

6. Double-glazed windows help to reduce energy loss.

7. Using LED light bulbs is less energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs.

8. A well-designed roof overhang can help regulate seasonal sun exposure.

9. Energy-efficient homes must be built entirely with recycled materials.

10. Air leaks around doors and windows can significantly reduce a home's energy efficiency.

Part C: Short Answer

11. What are two benefits of building an energy-efficient home?

12. Name two renewable energy sources that can be used in an energy-efficient home.

13. Why is proper ventilation important in an energy-efficient home?

14. What is a smart thermostat, and how does it improve energy efficiency?

15. List one design strategy for each season to improve energy efficiency:

Science notes - 05.13.2025 - Tuesday - Week #35

 

Monday - May 12th - Science Notes - Week #35

 

05.12.2025 - Week #35 - Environmental Studies

 Environmental Studies

05.12.2025

Answer in a document or with slides … One slide for each question.

1. After looking at a home design that you like it’s time to pick a specific place in California to place your tiny home. (About 500 square feet.) - where will your house be located? Go to online Realtor sites and find a lot where you can build.
2. With a budget of $500,000 how much of the budget will go towards your building materials and how much will go towards the land?
3. What are the environmental challenges for your build site? Does it usually snow in the winter? Is it her the beach, which means you’ll have to contend with salt air? Is it in the desert or forest which means you’ll have to contend with dry heat or high humidity? (What’s the BIOME and how will you build to be in harmony with that biome?)
4. Look up PASSIVE ENERY SAVINGS for homes … for this slide, and the next, pick TWO that you will incorporate (use) in your house. Explain how it saves energy once installed.

05.09.2025 - Environmental Science - Tiny House - #1

 Small House Exploration (in California) #1

     A “Tiny House,” for this assignment, will be considered to be 500 square feet or less. As we explore ways to make homes energy efficient … make a slide for each of the following.

1. Look up a California BIOME where your would like to place your home. What are the unique environmental challenged you’ll face in your chosen biome? (Heat? Snow? Salt air? Air, etc?)
2. Find a picture of a tiny home that actually exists that is close to what you’d like to build.
3. Show a slide on SOLAR POWER and how many solar cells it will take to meet your home’s energy requirements.
4. Make a slide showing how water will be used and conserved. Well water? Capturing rain? What types of water savings can you incorporate into your tiny home?
5. Make a slide showing how your house will be heated and cooled to keep it comfortable. Remember PASSIVE energy savings!