Outdoor Classroom
This unit we have been learning about thermodynamics. The main project we have been working on in this unit is our outdoor classroom design. To prepare for this project our class did a few labs. The first of the three labs was a solar water heating project. We made a parabolic reflector aimed at a copper pipe. This design reached the highest temperature but did not gain the most heat out of all the designs in our class. The second lab we did was to test different materials for water resistance and heat capacity. The third and final lab was testing alternate energy in the form of windmills. We found that small metal pinwheels produced the most voltage.
Our design is a simple and functional area to form a space for all to use. It consists of a semicircle of tables focused around a lectern for teachers to give lessons from, or can be used for group work, individual work, and student presentations. After multiple iterations, this is the design we deemed the most viable and suitable solution to fit the requirements of this project. The area is shaded by natural trees nearby as opposed to a shade structure. Providing shade from the side instead of from above. To the right is a picture of the overall setup of the classroom, as well as the area we will be building on. We chose the top of the small hill behind the art building because it is flat, shaded, and open. In the survey our class took of SM students we found that this is what the majority of those students wanted. Our location will be shaded from the east throughout the morning when the sun is low, addressing numerous students’ concerns of having the sun in their eyes. A problem we have noted to exist in the solar studio. Later in the day the sun will provide light and heat to the area. As well, this area will be easily accessible and open to the rest of campus, visible from many buildings. The lectern is very simple, with a place for the teacher to stand and put their notes. The tables are tapered outwards so everyone will have a clear line of sight to the teacher. To put these tables and the lectern together, we will attach the surface boards to supports with wood screws that will then be bolted onto thick posts set 6 inches into concrete. This method of construction will be able to withstand the daily wear and tear of teenage students. All wood is pressure treated and hardware is rated for outdoor use. The wood also has a low heat capacity and will retain heat, making a comfortable seat. We plan to have clipboards available for students to use to write on, hanging on hooks at each table. These will be plastic but durable enough to be used outside. We decided to plant a young willow tree on the hillock behind our benches to provide additional shade. We chose Willow trees for their drought tolerance and because they do not drop numerous leaves and branches in the winter. We will use blue gem westringia around the edging of the area to add color and a natural feel. These also are drought resistant and do not need much sun. For ground cover we will first remove existing plants then lay down weed-blocking fabric. On top of this we will have 3in of tanbark held in by terrace edging. On the path we will also lay down small pavers to define the trail further. The total cost of all our materials is $2020, leaving us a 50% margin. Our design will be multi-functional yet simple. Because of its simplicity it will be easy to construct and relatively inexpensive, staying under budget by a large margin. It will be comfortable to use by both students and teachers. Our build area is easily accessible but far enough away to provide a quiet, peaceful learning environment. Our designs are also weather resistant and teenager-proof. Another great bonus is a strong WiFi connection from the nearby buildings. Overall our design meets all the set requirements. |
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Concepts
Atoms - The smallest unit of physical matter
Molecular Structure - Atoms consist of a nucleus surrounded by electrons
States of Matter - The three main states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas
Heat - Energy stored in the movement of particles
Radiation - Heat transferred in the form of waves
Conduction - Heat transferred through contact
Convection - Heat transferred by the movement of a fluid
Insulation - A material that is used to reduce the movement of heat
Sun Angles - Angles Change throughout the year as well as based on latitude.
Laws Of Thermodynamics
0) If two systems have equal heat and a third is equal with the second, the third is equal to the first
1) Energy is neither created or destroyed
2) Entropy always increases in a thermal system
3) No system can contain zero energy
Molecular Structure - Atoms consist of a nucleus surrounded by electrons
States of Matter - The three main states of matter are solid, liquid, and gas
Heat - Energy stored in the movement of particles
Radiation - Heat transferred in the form of waves
Conduction - Heat transferred through contact
Convection - Heat transferred by the movement of a fluid
Insulation - A material that is used to reduce the movement of heat
Sun Angles - Angles Change throughout the year as well as based on latitude.
Laws Of Thermodynamics
0) If two systems have equal heat and a third is equal with the second, the third is equal to the first
1) Energy is neither created or destroyed
2) Entropy always increases in a thermal system
3) No system can contain zero energy
Refelction
Overall I think this project went very well. Our group worked efficiently and quickly giving us lots of time for improvements. Given this extra time however, we did not use it well. If we had stayed focused after we had completed all the required steps I think we could have made our project so much better. Even so, our project turned out very well; every part of our design had a reason behind it and we were able to explain all those parts in detail. In retrospect we could have added more features such as whiteboards or other writing surfaces but we did not. By the end of the project I think what we had to present was very good but could have been better.