This learning experience can be used as a culminating activity (in lieu of a final exam) or as a project that covers a number of strands. In an attempt to find out if it is possible to build a building (e.g. a home, school, office, shopping mall, etc.) that can be net-zero or reasonably close to, students will research the energy associated with different features of a building. Suggested buildings are houses or schools. In doing so, students will also gain an understanding of why the goal of net zero buildings is a good one. The end result will be that students will be able to compare the energy required to run a conventional building compared to a very efficient/net zero one. Students will also design or redesign the building of their choice with features that would lead to a net zero/carbon neutral building. The building can be presented in a number of formats and students can share their findings as well as report on their building more formally as in a report or less formally as in an interview. Since net zero focuses on energy consumption, the students can only focus on this aspect, but they can extend it to include water consumption, waste management and indoor air quality.
Related Resources:
What is Pollution? (Grade 2)
Categories: Lab/Student Activity, Lesson Plan
Written by Heidi Amadei, Don Galbraith Award Recipient 2024, Wilfrid Laurier University In this activity, students explore pollution and the impact is has on the environment through a hands-on... read more
SNC1D - FRAMING ECOLOGY: THE IMPACTS OF FOOD PRODUCTION ON ECOSYSTEMS
Categories: Lab/Student Activity, Lesson Plan, Unit Plan
Students worked in assigned teams (heterogeneous groupings) to research and analyze the impacts of food production on ecosystems, to evaluate the sustainability of our food production and to suggest... read more
HYDROPONIC VERTICAL AGRICULTURE: PORTABLE STAND WITH CLAY PELLETS
Categories: Lab/Student Activity, Unit Plan
The purpose of this project is to promote innovation, sustainable water use, and the recycling of materials via the creation of vertical gardens. Four RDSB schools collaborated using Google Hangouts... read more