Keep Your Cool
A WebQuest for 20 Degrees Cooler Inside!
Introduction
The modern air conditioner was invented over one hundred years ago and it is still the
most common form of home cooling used today. However, the decreasing supply of
fossil fuel resources and the increasing cost of these resources is spurring research in
newer, more energy-efficient heating and cooling technologies. Today, a few buildings
are considered “zero energy”—the buildings produce as much energy as they use. These
buildings employ alternative sources of energy and efficient energy design to achieve a
net-zero energy use.
Task
Your task is to research ways architects and engineers increase the efficiency of climate
control systems in buildings. Focus on building design, materials used, and advances in
climate-control technology. You will then design a simple model or sketch of a new
home designed to have an efficient climate-control system.
Process
Use the resources listed in the Resources section to begin your research. The Web sites
listed are good starting points, but further Internet research will be necessary. Record
your answers to the following questions.
1. Other than traditional air conditioning, what are three methods of
cooling a home?
2. What is one architectural feature that can be added to a home that
would help it stay cool in warm, sunny climates?
3. What is R-value and how is it related to energy efficiency?
Design
Design a home that contains at least three energy efficient features—an energyconserving architectural feature, use of an energy-efficient building material, and an
energy-efficient climate-control system. Create a simple drawing of your home that
includes three labels with captions that explain the three energy-efficient features of the
home. Include the advantages and disadvantages of your selected climate-control system.
Resources
International Ground Source Heat Pump Association
US Department of Energy
Berkeley Center for the Built Environment
Energy Star
Energy Savers
How Air Conditioners Work
California Energy Commission
Florida Solar Energy Center
Evaluation
Read this rubric to determine how you will be scored on this activity.
Criteria
Process
Design
Total
Score
Points
0
5
10
15
The process
was not
followed and
questions
were not
answered.
The process
was followed
but answers
to questions
showed no
evidence that
resources
were used.
It was evident
that resources
were used to
answer
process
questions but
answers were
incomplete or
incorrect.
A drawing
was provided.
Energy
efficient
features were
present but
not labeled or
described.
A drawing
was provided
that labeled
and described
three energyefficient
features
(architectural,
materials, and
climatecontrol) but
information
was missing
or incorrect.
Answers to
process
questions
were
complete and
supported by
evidence
from
resources.
A drawing
was provided
that labeled
and correctly
described
three energyefficient
features.
Students also
described the
advantages
and
disadvantages
of their
selected
climatecontrol
system
A drawing
was not
provided or
the drawing
was sloppy
and did not
show any
energyefficient
features.