Positives

• The resource provides three action steps readers can take to support the improvement of insulation and other climate solutions.
• The methodology of the analysis is outlined to show students how the numerical values were determined.

Additional Prerequisites

• This is a technical resource that is best suited for high-level students who are already very comfortable with climate-related topics.
• There are limitations to this analysis mentioned in the discussion section, but the implementation percentage estimated is also very small, making the possible impact substantial if more households made improvements. Students should evaluate the limitations, variables, and implementation percentages in the scenarios.
  

Differentiation

• Economics courses can focus on the financial modeling used to estimate the implementation costs and lifetime operational savings of this climate solution.
• Science courses can compare this solution to other similar solutions and identify trade-offs or unique benefits.
• Engineering students can focus on the building, materials, and appliance efficiency improvements and brainstorming ways to further reduce energy and resource waste.
• Physics and engineering courses could dive further into the concept of thermal insulation, types of insulating materials, and how they can be used most effectively.
• Civics classes could discuss ways to incorporate passive building designs that utilize passive solar heating and cooling into guidelines for schools and other municipal buildings that receive public funds.