Climate Change and Building Green
Research... In Art Class...Cool.
First up....
All really fabulous artists spend huge amounts of their time doing research so,... you get to do it to! :)
Research Requirements:
- You will take notes on FOUR sources (using R.A.D. forms)
- That means FOUR RAD forms.
RAD #1: Determine your ecological footprint using one of the links below (the first one is the best).
RAD #2: Find a resource that talks about "green" building or other ways to decrease your ecological footprint
RAD #3 and RAD #4: Use the link below from the American Institute of Architects to select two "green" designed buildings to take notes on. Focus on environmental issues that were used in the design. In addition, you may look for further information on a particular building you like (you may be able to visit that building's web site, for example).
- That means FOUR RAD forms.
RESOURCES
SPECIAL NOTE: If you find a great site that isn't on this list or you need help, post a discussion topic on the Climate Change forum on the MS Library Moodle.
Climate Change Info
- Climate Change from the U.S. Environmental Projection Agency.
- How can you control climate change? from the European Union's Commission on the Environment.
- Articles about Global Warming from the New York Times
- Global Climate Change from The Exploratorium, a museum in San Francisco.
- Climate Change from the World Wildlife Fund.
- Other general information can be found here:
- Books in the library: Check the "special cart" with books on climate change and more.
- Databases:
Green Building Info
- Greenbuilding.com includes some basic information on how you might build a "green" house.
- The Common Fire Foundation is a leader in green building. Examples of materials, designs and plans may help in your research
- Green Building at the EPA has information on how to design green buildings for homes, schools and businesses.
- Top 10 Green Projects from the American Institute of Architects What does a really cool green building look like? See examples here.
Footprint info
- Personal Footprint Calculator from the Global Footprint Network
- How to Reduce your Ecological Footprint from the WWF (World Wildlife Foundation)
- The Low Impact Living calculator asks detailed questions about the home home you live in, but gives specific ideas for projects that would make your home more environmentally friendly.
- The Carbon Footprint Calculator from the Nature Conservancy.
- Carbon Calculator from the web site for An Inconvenient Truth.
IMPORTANT: Climate change is a controversial topic. "Free" web sites may have awesome information, or they may be biased. Be careful and ask for input from Mr. Hoppin or Ms. Harris if you aren't sure. You can also check out the "Evaluating web sites" link for criteria to judge a site.
Next...
After you have collected all your information you will be determining what steps you could take individually to decrease your ecological footprint. Then...
Finally....
Make some art!
- Design your dream house - and build it green!
- Web sites that might help:
- Google Earth
- Taggalaxy (search for "green buildings")
- Dwell "How Green Are You" Contest Entries