Impact/Purpose:

(1) to integrate Seminole Tribal building technology with emerging innovative renewable technologies to create a productive sustainable "outdoor" learning classroom; and (2) to use the energy of the design process to create an innovative learning opportunity for all project participants.

Description:

Findings are summarized below in project-related outputs and outcomes.

Objective 1: Plan by using a charrette process to relate educational needs of the sustainable outdoor classroom with potential innovative renewable and indigenous technologies.

a. Outputs:

1. Development of a charrette process allowing Seminole tribal members and teachers at Pinewoods School to work together in integrating Seminole building methods and culture to be used in building the outdoor classroom (chickee) and culture with potential elementary school curricula. Examples are using hanging baskets to grow edible native plants used by the Seminoles and designing a sleeping bench to be used also as a podium and storage area.
2. Development of a charrette process allowing the integration of renewable technologies such as solar energy with potential elementary school curricula. For example, placing solar arrays where they can easily be interpreted and monitoring their outputs so that students can calculate daily and annual energy production.

b. Outcomes:

The charrette process bringing together all participants used in combination with small group specialty meetings has been very useful as an effective way to:  (1) generate and test ideas when there is a wide disparity in everything from ages, cultural perspectives, and technical expertise; (2) learn about Seminole attitudes and culture especially relating to chickee planning and building; and (3) learn about elementary school student visions of a sustainable outdoor classroom.

Objective 2: Design by using a charrette process to integrate innovative renewable technologies into a sustainable outdoor classroom that teaches while, at the same time, facilitating learning through a variety of methods ranging from storytelling to computer-based learning.

a. Outputs:

1. Use of the charrette process to integrate technical, cultural, and educational perspectives into a design that meets the needs for environmental education, Seminole cultural and architectural integrity, and renewable technologies.
2. The charrette process has greatly facilitated the following plans for the sustainable outdoor chickee classroom:  planned and designed a 24 ft. by 32 ft. rectangular "outdoor" classroom using the model of a Seminole "chickee." This structure will be built by a Seminole builder using indigenous building materials vertical supports; screened walls to provide protection from biting insects while providing passive ventilation; slight elevation off the ground to provide air circulation underneath; use of ceiling fans equipped with LED lighting to supplement natural ventilation and natural lighting; use of a solar photovoltaic system to provide necessary energy for computer projector use, use of three other laptops, and use of the ceiling fans and lights; use of an inverter to convert DC to AC current; and use of a battery system to provide energy at night or on very cloudy days; use of a solar tracker on the solar panels to optimize efficiency; and optional planning for a small separate composting toilet restroom with wash water provided from harvested rainwater falling on the roof.

b. Outcomes:

We have been very pleased by the strong interest and participation of all of the collaborators on this project. We have been able to proceed effectively with our planning and design stages. The administrative, expertise, and moral support of the participants have been important in accomplishing major parts of this project despite real challenges in finding a good site for the sustainable outdoor classroom.

Objective 3: Demonstrate by developing blueprints or CAD drawings, illustrations, and a scale model of the proposed outdoor classroom.

a. Outputs:

1. CAD drawings of the plans have been developed by students and designers.
2. Illustrations are being developed to interpret the major features of the outdoor classroom.
3. A 1-inch to 1-foot scale model of the outdoor chickee classroom is being developed by students.

b. Outcomes:

We have been very pleased by the number of participants and other experts who have volunteered their time on various parts of this project. For example, a professional architect has helped us complete CAD drawings for the chickee.

URLs/Downloads:

Final Progress Report

Record Details:

Record Type:PROJECT( ABSTRACT )

Start Date:08/15/2009

Completion Date:08/14/2010

Record ID: 249511

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Related Organizations:

Role :OWNER

Organization Name :FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY

Mailing Address :10501 FGCU Blvd, S.

Citation :Fort Myers

State :FL

Zip Code :33965

Project Information:

Approach :

(1) to identify important sustainable technologies embodied in the Seminole "chickee" design; (2) to identify potential innovative renewable technologies compatible with the "chickee" design; (3) to bring together stakeholders including college and K-6 students and faculty, Seminole building experts, and sustainable energy experts in "charrettes" to evaluate technological opportunities, to design the classroom, to build a scale model, and to develop a monitoring plan to evaluate its effectiveness.

Cost :$9,994.00

Research Component :Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development

Approach :

(1) to identify important sustainable technologies embodied in the Seminole "chickee" design; (2) to identify potential innovative renewable technologies compatible with the "chickee" design; (3) to bring together stakeholders including college and K-6 students and faculty, Seminole building experts, and sustainable energy experts in "charrettes" to evaluate technological opportunities, to design the classroom, to build a scale model, and to develop a monitoring plan to evaluate its effectiveness.

Cost :$9,994.00

Research Component :Tribal Environmental Health Research

Approach :

(1) to identify important sustainable technologies embodied in the Seminole "chickee" design; (2) to identify potential innovative renewable technologies compatible with the "chickee" design; (3) to bring together stakeholders including college and K-6 students and faculty, Seminole building experts, and sustainable energy experts in "charrettes" to evaluate technological opportunities, to design the classroom, to build a scale model, and to develop a monitoring plan to evaluate its effectiveness.

Cost :$9,994.00

Research Component :P3 Challenge Area - Energy

Approach :

(1) to identify important sustainable technologies embodied in the Seminole "chickee" design; (2) to identify potential innovative renewable technologies compatible with the "chickee" design; (3) to bring together stakeholders including college and K-6 students and faculty, Seminole building experts, and sustainable energy experts in "charrettes" to evaluate technological opportunities, to design the classroom, to build a scale model, and to develop a monitoring plan to evaluate its effectiveness.

Cost :$9,994.00

Research Component :P3 Challenge Area - Built Environment

Project IDs:

ID Code :SU834298

Project type :EPA Grant