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Contrary to what many students think, heat flows from hot to cold. Working in groups of 3-4, students investigate the properties of insulators in attempts to keep a cup of water from freezing and, once it is frozen, to keep it from melting. This activity requires a 4.5-hour time period for completion. (Author/SOE)

This technical manual provides detailed guidance to building owners, asbestos program managers, and operations and maintenance (O&M) workers for managing asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in buildings. The manual addresses four different types of ACM found in buildings and three different levels of precaution which may be warranted by specific building conditions. A new regulatory appendix summarizes key regulations (OSHA, EPA, and DOT) affecting asbestos O&M work. Sections of the manual include: Initiating an O&M Program; Asbestos Program Manager General Procedures; Worker General Procedures; Surfacing Materials Work Practices; Thermal Systems Insulation Work Practices; Miscellaneous Materials Work Practices; and Resilient Flooring Work Practices. (CR)

Describes the effects of improperly insulated chilled water distribution systems on mold and mildew in occupied buildings, its health risks, prevention, economic impact, and solution. (EV)

The American Institute of Architects National Committee on Architecture for Education presents this guide which addresses methods of energy conservation in school buildings with simple design, construction, and equipment-control technology so that trained and creative people can take over functions normally done by machinery and automated controls. A general discussion first covers energy consumption problem areas in educational facilities, followed by interior space utilization needs and use of manual climate control. Various ways of reducing energy load are examined, including building and classroom orientation to the sun and in differing climates, shielding barriers for the sun and wind, proper insulation and ventilation in roofs as well as interior spaces, and the type of heating system used. Other energy efficiency considerations involving food processing, boiler systems, and building operations involving load distribution and off-peak loading conclude the report. (GR)

Describes an activity to help students understand how feathers help insulate a bird's body. (WRM)

This instructor's guide contains the materials required to teach a competency-based introductory course in insulation to students who have chosen to explore careers in construction. It contains three units: instructional unit includes some or all of the basic components of a unit of instruction: performance objectives, suggested activities for the instructor, extensions and options, information sheets, student supplements, transparency masters, instructional supplements, assignment sheets, job sheets, practical tests, written tests, and answers to assignment sheets and written tests. Academic skills training is combined with vocational training throughout the instructional materials, and a system of icons has been used to help instructors identify activities into which training in the following basic skill areas has been infused: reading, science, creative thinking/problem solving, writing, oral communication, employability, math, interpersonal skills, and social studies. Most units of instruction are designed for use in more than one lesson or class period of instruction. These materials precede the instructional units: information on basic skills in curriculum, information on measuring student performance gains, and required criteria for a competency-based education program. A basic skills documentation matrix and competency profile are provided at the end of the manual. (YLB)

Discusses two new governing standards from the National Fire Protection Association regarding plastic-coated cables, and other ways to improve cable safety. (EV)

Discusses the advantages, both functional and economic, of using a standing-seam metal roof in both new roof installations and reroofing projects of educational facilities. Structural versus non-structural standing-seam roofs are described as are the types of insulation that can be added and roof finishes used. (GR)