Description
To determine what materials would work best for our out door classroom, we designed an experiment to test different types of materials under different weather circumstances. We tested different types of woods, ground covers, metals, and other possible building materials to determine which we should use in our outdoor space. We looked at how much each material absorbs water, and how fast it dries. To do this, we submerged the materials into water and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then we took its weight to determine how much water was absorbed. Then we placed it on a counter top and tracked how fast it dried. We also looked at how hot or cold those materials can get. To do this we put the objects into trays and placed them under a heat lamp. Then we measured the temperature in regular intervals. Next we put those trays into the fridge to see how much they cool down.
To determine what materials would work best for our out door classroom, we designed an experiment to test different types of materials under different weather circumstances. We tested different types of woods, ground covers, metals, and other possible building materials to determine which we should use in our outdoor space. We looked at how much each material absorbs water, and how fast it dries. To do this, we submerged the materials into water and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then we took its weight to determine how much water was absorbed. Then we placed it on a counter top and tracked how fast it dried. We also looked at how hot or cold those materials can get. To do this we put the objects into trays and placed them under a heat lamp. Then we measured the temperature in regular intervals. Next we put those trays into the fridge to see how much they cool down.
Here is a link to our full results spreadsheet:
To figure out which were the best materials to work with, we made graphs and looked at the material that had the most neutral results. This means that it didn't absorb a lot of water and dried fairly quickly. It also means that its heat stayed pretty constant and did not spike and then fall rapidly. We were basically looking for the materials that were right in the middle; not too hot, not too cold, but just right.
Final Results
Ground Covers: Dirt was the best out of the others (sand, bark, gravel) because it did not get too hot or too cold and was pretty consistent and dirt is a very accessible resource.
Wood: Pressure treated wood was a clear winner here. It is durable, cheap, and made to take on the elements.
Color of Wood: Darker wood heats up faster than lighter wood, but they all cool in a very similar pattern. There is no stand out color in this category, just preference.
Durability (water): Most woods dried at similar rates. Other factors would have to be considered before finding the best option.
Metals/Other (Cement, Bricks, etc.): Brick and cement were the best options out of these materials because the temperature stayed pretty neutral. We probably would not use these materials because of the cost.
Ground Covers: Dirt was the best out of the others (sand, bark, gravel) because it did not get too hot or too cold and was pretty consistent and dirt is a very accessible resource.
Wood: Pressure treated wood was a clear winner here. It is durable, cheap, and made to take on the elements.
Color of Wood: Darker wood heats up faster than lighter wood, but they all cool in a very similar pattern. There is no stand out color in this category, just preference.
Durability (water): Most woods dried at similar rates. Other factors would have to be considered before finding the best option.
Metals/Other (Cement, Bricks, etc.): Brick and cement were the best options out of these materials because the temperature stayed pretty neutral. We probably would not use these materials because of the cost.