New guides and handbooks continue to be developed, and current titles are revised frequently. The series is designed to teach key science and mathematics concepts through activity-based learning. The time needed to complete GEMS units varies from about 2 to 10 class sessions. In Hot Water and Warm Homes from Sunlight, students perform experiments with model houses and water heating to investigate solar power. An introductory activity on the experimental design and results of a plant-growth study introduces students to the concept and essential elements of a controlled experiment.
Students then build model houses to determine how windows affect passive solar heating of the house.
They use aluminum pie pans as model water heaters to investigate the effect of clear covers on water-heating efficiency. Reproducible masters of patterns and student data sheets are included in the teacher's guide. Science and technology in society. Topic Index listings linked to this entry Use these listings to find related entries.