"Heat is On" Class Activities:

          Session 1 –  Goal 1

                Introduction to class

                Demonstrate the dynamics of heat transfer for a cup of coffee

                Explore the relationship between the heat loss rate and temperature

         Session 2 –  Goals 1, 2

 Group activity: Determine the relationship between heat loss rate and temperature for five different coffee cups

Group discussion: Why does the relationship between heat

loss rate and temperature differ for different coffee cups

         Session 3 – Goal 2

Introduce the concepts of power and energy.

Determine the power and energy associated with a 100 watt lightbulb burning for ten hours

Homework: Students make an inventory of lightbulbs at their home and estimate the energy used for lighting at their home.

         Session 4 – Goal 2

Energy use vs. weather:  How does the weather influence residential energy consumption?

The Heating Degree Day: Students will be introduced to the heating degree day (HDD) and how it is used in the heat loss model.

         Session 5 – Goal 3

Computer Lab: Students build a data set for a year of energy use and weather (outdoor temperature) for their home.

Homework: Students will use the data set to determine the heat loss model for their home.

 

          Session 6 – Goal 4

 Class speaker: An energy expert will speak about energy

conservation and the conservation measures available. 

          Session 7 and 8 – Goal 5

Case studies: Students will examine weather and energy use data for a number of residences which have had conservation  measures.  Estimates of energy savings will be obtained using the heat loss model.

          Session 9 and 10 – Goal 6

Students will discuss the impacts of energy conservation for the economy and the environment.  The collective influence of personal choice on energy savings at a regional level will be considered.