This Unit
For this unit we learned about Earth's layers, the orbits of the planet, solar angles and how they change during different times of year/day,
Atomic structure, and day lighting techniques. We also built a model that used the sun for light. We also had a project where we had to make a design a building that focused on using day lighting techniques.
Atomic structure, and day lighting techniques. We also built a model that used the sun for light. We also had a project where we had to make a design a building that focused on using day lighting techniques.
Earth's Layers
In this unit we learned about the layers of the earth. We learned that they earth has four main layers and that all have different characteristics. Very little of the earths total volume is made of solid rock and that most if it is mode of molten rock or liquid/solid metal. Additionally, these layers affect the movement of earthquakes.
Crust - This is the top layer of the Earth. It is made solid rock and is the thinnest of Earth's layers; 5 km to 30 km thick
Mantle - This layer is below the crust and is made of molten rock and is very hot with a temperature ranging from 500 to 4000°C. The mantle makes up most the earth volume and is around 2,900 km thick
Outer Core - This layer lies above the inner core. It made of liquid iron and nickle and is 2200 km thick. It also has a temperature of 4000 to 5000°C.
Inner Core - This is the center of the Earth. It is a solid sphere of iron and nickle. It is 1250 km thick and has a temperature of 5000 to 6000°C.
Crust - This is the top layer of the Earth. It is made solid rock and is the thinnest of Earth's layers; 5 km to 30 km thick
Mantle - This layer is below the crust and is made of molten rock and is very hot with a temperature ranging from 500 to 4000°C. The mantle makes up most the earth volume and is around 2,900 km thick
Outer Core - This layer lies above the inner core. It made of liquid iron and nickle and is 2200 km thick. It also has a temperature of 4000 to 5000°C.
Inner Core - This is the center of the Earth. It is a solid sphere of iron and nickle. It is 1250 km thick and has a temperature of 5000 to 6000°C.
Orbits and Solar Angles
After studying earth layers, we learned about the orbits of planets and solar angles. We learned that the angle of the earth changes through the year. Which affect how much sun a certain hemisphere receives. The amount of sun a part of the earth get will influence what season will occur. The angle of the sun during a day changes with seasons. In the summer the sun will be closer to 90 degrees and while in winter the sun will be closer to 0 degrees. We also learned about the orbits of the planets in our solar system. The distance between each planet is very far and their orbit are not a perfect circle and some are even ovals.
Atomic Structure
Additionally in this unit, we learned about subatomic particles. We studied molecules an learned that there we made of atoms and that their form will change when they encounter different temperatures. We then learned about the particles that make an atom and their locations. We discovered that atoms are made of protons, neutrons, and electrons, and they have different charges and that they determine the characteristic of an atom.
Molecule - Two or more atoms bonded together
Atoms - The building blocks of matter
Protons - A positively charged particle that's located in the atom's nucleus. It determines the atoms element.
Neutrons - A neutrally charged particle that's located in the nucleus. It determines the atoms isotope.
Electrons - A negatively charged particle that's located outside the nucleus.
Molecule - Two or more atoms bonded together
Atoms - The building blocks of matter
Protons - A positively charged particle that's located in the atom's nucleus. It determines the atoms element.
Neutrons - A neutrally charged particle that's located in the nucleus. It determines the atoms isotope.
Electrons - A negatively charged particle that's located outside the nucleus.
Day Lighting Design Model
Half way through the unit we build a model house to see how we could use day lighting techniques to reduce the use of electricity. Our house had one story and was 20 by 50 cm. Our house had several day lighting techniques spread through the house. We used clerestory windows and skylights.Later we tested how effective our design was with an artificial sun. We discovered that the direction a building is facing really effects how much light it gets. We also learned that the position of day lighting techniques also effect the amount of light a building gets. We would later use the things we learn from this model and apply them to our project, designing a school building.
Justification Document
Our Task
For this project my group had to design a new STEM building for our school that use as little electricity as possible and meets the requirements of the San Marin faculty. To do this we used day lighting techniques such as skylights and light shelves to illuminate the classrooms instead of using electricity. Besides accounting for these requirements we also had to account for how large are building would be so that it would fit in the plot of land where it would be build.
Our Project
Refelction
This was one of the most enjoyable project I have ever done. Even though we had little time and a lot to do. Also believe my groups project and work effort was very good. We had a lot of fun while working, to the point where it would seem like we were goofing of how every we where very productive with our time.
Besides my group I also preformed very well in this project. I was good as a leader during of the project. When we working on our model I split up the work among my teammates and make sure we were going to complete it on time. I was also very productive during this project. When we were working on the model I made sure I was also adding something to it and later when we were making a presentation I was always try to help and make it better. Even thought I did quiet well during this project. I could have done somethings better. I wasn't the best of accepting ideas. During the project I would sometimes shut down ideas I didn't like. I need to be more accepting of ideas because some be good. I additionally would sometimes get distracted and talk to people. When I finished the model I went off and talked with people. I really need to work on when I'm done with one task and then moving to the next task. |