Investigation Lesson
135 minutes (3 45-minute classes)
Lesson Time:
The purpose of Lesson 10 is to explore thermal and light energy transfer across windows in the building shell to develop ideas about how windows are related to energy efficiency. Students model energy flows across windows and consider how to improve window energy efficiency.
What will we do?
Develop a model to identify the direction of energy transfer into and out of windows and how that affects building temperature.
Use a simulation to generate, analyze, and interpret data for how windows impact the energy efficiency of the building.
Develop a model to compare single-pane and single pane window designs.
Use an interactive to investigate ways to increase window energy efficiency.
Materials needed
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Advance preparation
Preview slides and teacher guide.
Print handouts.
Gather at least one computer or tablet per group or student.
Test the digital tools:
There is an optional lab with this lesson to test how light interacts with single and double pane windows. This lab can be completed through having students watch the investigation video rather than doing the hands-on investigation. If you choose to include this investigation, prepare materials and handouts using the instructions below:
10.5 Optional Lab: Teacher Lab Preparation
10.5 Optional Lab: Testing Single and Double Pane Windows
Copyright © 2026 The Curators of the University of Missouri in collaboration with Colorado State University, BSCS Science Learning, and Oregon Public Broadcasting.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation (Award No 2201204). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSF.