Introduction to the Green Project-Based Learning Modules

YouthBuild USA has developed green building project-based learning education modules for the DOL TA Collaborative to enable YouthBuild instructors to integrate green building knowledge into the classroom curriculum. Each module builds upon the skills and understanding of the prior lesson plans, and covers topics essential to best-practice new green construction, gut rehab, weatherization and energy auditing. The “Teacher Resource Sheets” at the end of most lesson plans contain more valuable information that is necessary to conduct the lessons and can be used to add detail and build more exercises for your students.

Module 1: Heat and Energy: The Basics
Learning Modules
Module 1 contains a series of exercises exploring how major costs such as heating and cooling are calculated and measured, as well as what to consider when buying energy appliances.
Module 2: Heat Transfer and R-Values
Learning Modules
Module 2 explores the three ways that heat moves from place to place and how to affect this movement.
Module 3: Introduction to Water and Building Science
Learning Modules
This learning module includes a series of exercises using the concepts of evaporation, condensation, latent heat, relative humidity, dew point, and state change to understand how to design and maintain durable and safe building in our communities.
Module 4: More on Moisture: Permeance, Diffusion, and Mold
Learning Modules
In this module students will learn more about moisture transport focusing on diffusion and osmosis. They will also learn how to use permeance ratings to choose insulating materials.
Module 5: Air Pressure, Density, Volume, and Buoyancy: The Basics
Learning Modules
Module 5 focuses on the basic principles of air movement and pressure, density, volume, and buoyancy. Experiments will focus on formulating solutions to save energy and lower costs.
Module 6: Infiltration, Air Sealing, and Stack Effect
Learning Modules
This module includes a series of experiments that explore how air infiltration and exfiltration works, as well as a definition of the “stack effect”.
Module 7: Calculating Area and Volume: The Basics
Learning Modules
In this module students will calculate various equations and review basic geometry and algebra to ascertain the information necessary to do a heat-loss analysis.
Module 8: Air Flow and Ventilation
Learning Modules
Films and exercises will guide students to analyze the health risks associated with improperly ventilated spaces and explore alternative “natural ventilation” technologies.
Module 9: Indoor Pollution and Mechanical Ventilation Systems
Learning Modules
In Module 9 students will explore how to balance a tight energy efficient home with acceptable indoor air quality and proper ventilation. Students will also learn about mechanical ventilation systems, what a “sick building systems” is, and what may be put into place to correct building tightness limits.
Module 10 (Reference): Water Use and Recovery System - Material Water Audit
Learning Modules
This module introduces students to the analytical equipment they need to do a water audit and determine what practical measures they can take to reduce utility costs and energy consumption. Reference materials for this module are attached.