Outdoor Classroom Project:
In this project we designed an outdoor learning space without the use of electricity. This project was completed over a six week period and was presented in front of a group of judges on March 14th. Our goal was to create a positive outdoor learning environment that would be used by students and teachers.
Part 1: Design of Solar Hot Water Heater:
We created a device that uses solar energy to heat up water. Here is a picture of our design below:
Our group used lots of small copper piping in order to heat the water quickly. In twenty-five minutes our design had risen the temperature of the water 1.5C while being placed in the sun; that is 14,232.4 joules! We found our group's solar water heater worked the best because it had the most copper, which is a great conductor, and all surfaces of the copper were touching water. We also did not remove water from the heater, making it heat up more quickly because we did not lose the heat to transportation.
Part 2: Client need survey:
In this part of our project, we created an online survey for teachers and students to take during their fourth periods. Each group constructed their own question which was submitted into the survey. Below you can find the results of this survey.
Part 3: Site Selection:
We chose our location to be the area between the cafeteria and art building for many reasons. For one, it already has a built foundation, is close to bathrooms, and has access to internet. Below are a few images of this site.
Part 4: Materials testing lab:
Part 5: Presentation:
On March 14th our group presented our outdoor classroom to a panel of judges. The judges evaluated us on key features, visibility/usability, client need, energy location, material choice, blueprints, budget/quantity list, model, and constructability. Some of our key features were our rotating tables which created amphitheater and group styled seating, accessible wheelchair ramp, and the location had access to wifi, bathrooms, and drinking fountains. Below you can see our presentation.
Part 6: Wind Turbine Lab
Important Content:
- Atoms, molecular structure, and states of matter-
Isotopes are atoms with an unusual number of of neutrons.
Ions are atoms with an unusual number of electrons.
Molecules are two or more atoms bonded together. (CO2, H2O)
- Specific heat capacity & different ways of heat transfer-
Convection is transfer of heat through a liquid or a gas.
Radiation is the transfer of heat through waves, rays, or particles, no medium required.
Insulation is the trapping of heat, opposite of conduction.
Heat is energy due to the movement of molecules/particles
- Angles of the sun-
Laws of thermodynamics #0,1,2,3-
0th law- explains temperature: If two system are in thermal equilibrium with a third system. They are equilibrium with each other. A=B B=C A=C
1st law- conservation of energy; Energy is neither created nor destroyed, but transferred from one form to another; Heat is a form of energy.
2nd law-entropy increase: Disorder increases over time, everything becomes the same temperature.
3rd law- Temperature can never get to absolute 0; Heat always exists.
0th law- explains temperature: If two system are in thermal equilibrium with a third system. They are equilibrium with each other. A=B B=C A=C
1st law- conservation of energy; Energy is neither created nor destroyed, but transferred from one form to another; Heat is a form of energy.
2nd law-entropy increase: Disorder increases over time, everything becomes the same temperature.
3rd law- Temperature can never get to absolute 0; Heat always exists.
Justification of Energy:
In this portion of the project we learned about the positives and negatives of different energy sources. Below, is the link where you can find our notes.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xNlfcVQ0EfdhCoEf6vTE0RzP6w0dYkSAyULe8hU66TA/edit
Reflection:
During this project I have done a lot of self-reflection. I discovered that when I focus on a project, I can accomplish it quickly and effectively. I also noticed that I have a tendency to get off task when there is not a lot of work to be done which is an area I am going to improve on. Working with others went smoothly because we all respected each other and did our part of the workload. I will improve on my productivity and keeping all members of the group on task. Overall, I really enjoyed making this project and I hope our outdoor learning space turns out wonderfully!