Outdoor classroom design was a good, challenging project to start of the second semester. For this project, we had to design an outdoor classroom space that is comfortable and pleasant to use in all conditions. What made this project different from the others, is that we had to be more rigorous, since we are actually going to construct the outdoor classroom. Before we could begin designing the classroom, we had to run multiple experiments to learn about heat transfer, sun angles, etc. With the information gained from our pre-experiments and survey, we were able to design the most efficient and comfortable outdoor classroom.
Site Selection
To choose the perfect spot for our outdoor classroom, my group and I brainstormed the necessary qualities the classroom's location needed. It needed to be shady/sunny, level/flat, good ground quality, symbiosis, easy accessibility, good size, and quiet. Then we looked at three different sites and ranked them based of of the needed qualities.
The site we selected is behind the art room, across the parking lot from the softball field. We picked this spot because it is spacious with a large oak tree that provides shade. The ground is level with fairly compacted soil, which provides a stable base for building. It is quiet and fits in with it's surroundings.
Our Design
There are eight tables arranged in a U-shape, so that students can have enough space in between each other but can still see the board clearly. Each table can sit up to four people, making there space for approximately thirty-two people. Ontop of the tables, there is a sheet of plastic, so students have a smooth surface to write on. Stumps will be used as seats and the tops will be painted so you can easily wipe dew or rainwater off the top. There is a lattice fence surrounding two sides of the outdoor space to block the views of the roads and minimize distractions. We selected a lavender trumpet vine to go on the fence, and left a five foot gap along it for plants and flowers. Leading to the classroom, there is a path lined with stepping stones, and at the entrance, there is a welcoming sign.
Concepts
Radiation: Transfer of heat through waves/rays/particles. No medium required. Convection: Transfer of heat through a fluid (gas or liquid). Conduction: Heat transfer through a solid. Some solids are better at transferring heat (ex. copper > aluminum). Insulation: The opposite of conduction. Bad at transferring heat. Specific Heat: The amount of heat needed to raise the temperature by one degree Celsius. 0th Law Of Thermodynamics: Explains temperature - if two systems are in thermal equilibrium with each other. A=B B=C then A=C 1st Law Of Thermodynamics: Conservation of energy. Energy is neither created nor destroyed, but transferred from one form to another. 2nd Law Of Thermodynamics: Entropy increases and disorder increases. Over time, everything becomes the same temperature. 3rd Law Of Thermodynamics: Temperature can never get to absolute zero. Heat always exists.
Reflection
Outdoor classroom design was a fun, challenging project. For this project, my group and I worked really well together. Each individual was able to complete certain tasks that allowed our group to complete the project efficiently. Also everyone was able to contribute something helpful and unique to designing the outdoor classroom. One thing my group and I did really well this time around was time management. We were able to stay on task, which allowed us to complete the project on time. For this project, I did a better job of listening to other people's ideas and incorporating them into the project. One thing I could work on is collaboration. Usually I end up completing tasks by myself without allowing any help from my group members. I also need to work on including them more in what I am working on, and communicating with them better. I can do this by asking them for their input or having them work on the same thing as me. Overall, my group and I worked great together, and were able to efficiently complete the outdoor classroom project.