Carolina STEM Challenge : Passive Solar Design Kit

Design and construct your own scale model vacation home to explore passive solar building and design techniques. Learn about the effects of insulation on heating, cooling, and thermal mass for regulating temperatures. Determine and experience types of real-world modifications to simulate optimal seasonal home heating and cooling requirements. This kit is designed for 12 lab stations of students working cooperatively in groups of 2 or 3. Materials include: polystyrene pads (8 x 8 x 1/2"); foam pads (9 x 12 x 1/2"); plastic cups (4 oz); aquarium gravel (5-lb bag); cardboard boxes (8 x 8 x 6"); transparency sheets; 1-hole rubber stoppers (5.5); and teacher's manual with reproducible student guide.