Could Saskatchewan's early settlers build energy efficient homes?
Were the materials they needed readily available? Are there lessons about energy efficiency we can learn from the buildings of our past?
The North Battleford Western Development Museum helps answer these questions in the Smarter Science Better Buildings program. May 9 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., the WDM invites the public to learn what can be done around the home or business to make it more energy efficient.
?The open house showcases workstations and resources developed in partnership with the Saskatchewan Environmental Society to help teach Grade 7 students about energy efficient buildings. This is an opportunity to explore these resources and talk to experts from the Saskatchewan Environmental Society.
?Workstations are designed around themes of water conservation, efficient lighting, home retrofits, solar heating and building materials as well as a model of a net-zero home. In the program students will look at how buildings were constructed, how buildings were heated, and what materials were used. With the assistance of Sunridge Residential Inc., the WDM estimated the "R" value or efficiency of its replica Ukrainian House to see how it compares to today's modern buildings.
The museum also invites students and visitors to explore the Winning The Prairie Gamble exhibit to learn about Saskatchewan's natural resources.
?The WDM is offering the Smarter Science Better Buildings Grade 7 program at the North Battleford WDM until May 30. The program will be offered at the Yorkton WDM in October and at the Saskatoon and Moose Jaw WDMs in winter/spring 2015.
