Solar House

Thirteen/WNET.org, Teachers' Domain

This video segment from 'What's Up in the Environment,' shares how an entire home can be constructed using green energy sources (solar and geothermal energy). Video is narrated by young boy whose father is the chief engineer on the project.

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Additional 'What's Up in the Environment' resources can be found here: [http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/wue/index.html]
This video offers the vantage point of a 13-year-old as he and his family take actions to reduce energy consumption in their own home. It explains how a net-zeo home works and includes information about energy efficiency in the home. Comments from expert scientist: They mentioned their ability to reduce their energy use by 50%, which is important. In my experience, most homeowners can do this.
Background information, discussion questions, and a printed transcript accompany the video segment. Additional links to learn more about energy are provided in the background information. Students may relate to the age of the boy narrating the video and might be encouraged to discuss with their parents how they can make changes in their own homes.