The optimal shape for a home in Louisiana is square. The home should have the longer side facing south for easy shading with an overhang. Shading the home on the east and west side is best done with vegetation. South light is best for daylighting. A southwest orientation is better than a southeast orientation for winter heat gain from the sun.
Dark surfaces can collect more heat than light surfaces.
Ventilation is not important for cooling. After a few years, you will have enough heliodons to retire that activity and each student can experiment with models. If the model's roofs can be removed then you can see where the winter sun shines on the floor and walls from window openings. Have the students build models to scale. They need to measure the overhang to see what is required for it to work right.