Group Work

In this project, students will work in groups to:

• create an electrical plan for the building;
• decide how to bill renters for electric service;
• solve problems related to the maximum acceptable load on kitchen circuits; and
• solve problems related to ordering materials needed to complete the project.

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Materials Needed

Floor Plan

The purpose of the first activity is to provide the context for the project and to help students visualize the floor plan of the building. Each student will need a copy of the floor plan showing the layout of the wings. (A floor plan showing the entire building is available to students online.)

Recouping the Costs

For the second activity, each student will need a copy of the Recouping the Costs worksheet. Before students begin this activity, they will need a mini-lesson on electricity. Some of the language may be challenging for students. Rather than expecting students to read and digest this information on their own, go over the following information with the students.

Electricity Mini-Lesson

Electrical power plants send power to a building. Inside the building the electrical charge moves along a large circuit which is composed of smaller circuits. One end of each circuit leads to the power source (hot) and the other end (neutral) leads to the ground. When the circuit is closed, the electrical charge moves along the wires. The voltage is typically 110 volts or 240 volts.

All appliances offer a resistance (load) to this electrical flow when they are turned on and plugged into the circuit. For example a light bulb has a wire filament that is very resistant to flowing electricity. The electricity has to work hard to move along the filament. The resistance causes the filament to become so hot that it glows, thus producing light.

In the wiring for buildings, the “hot” wire and the neutral wire never touch directly. The charge in the circuit always passes through an appliance when the appliance is turned on. The appliance acts as a resistor and dictates how much charge passes through the circuit. Most circuits are rated for 15 amps and handle 1725 watts.

Circuit breakers are installed in the electrical box to prevent too much current on the circuit. The circuit breaker’s job is to open or “break” the circuit when the current flow goes above a safe level. If current flow is too high, the wires will overheat and cause fire.

Each circuit is connected to a circuit breaker housed in a large breaker panel. Electricity comes from the power source to the electric meter outside the building. From the meter, it travels to the breaker panel where it is distributed through the circuit breakers to each circuit. Each electric meter keeps track of electricity used so the electrical company can bill the user. Breaker panel sets vary in cost due to the number of circuits needed.

Kitchens for Rent and Ordering Materials

Each student will need one copy of the worksheets for Kitchens for Rent and Ordering Materials.

Final Report

Working individually, students will answer a series of questions to present evidence for federal funding of renovating county buildings for rental properties to offset expenses. Students should have access to their group worksheet as they complete the final report.