Sorry, registration is now closed.
Thank you for your interest in our FUN Event. Unfortunately, this event is full. Since this event was so popular, we may do another sleigh ride in February. If you’re interested in that event, please put your name on the waiting list and we’ll get back to you with the details.
When and Where
Saturday, December 17, 2022 from 2:30-4:15
From 2:30-3:15, the kids will do snow-related STEM activities, and adults can learn about passive house design (ultra-energy-efficient homes). Then we’ll all come together for a cup of cocoa around a bonfire. At 3:30, we’ll hop on the horse-drawn sleighs for a magical winter experience. Telling jokes and singing festive tunes will be encouraged!
In order to participate in the sleigh ride, we ask that participants take part the science and engineering education first.
Bunker Hills Stables
The stables are located at 13175 County Parkway D, Andover, MN 55304. Enter Bunker Hills Regional Park from the north at 550 Bunker Lake Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304
Could snow help keep things warm?!
Exploring Snow Density and Snow as an Insulator
Snow is important for global climate because of its role in reflecting solar radiation. Snow and ice are also important because they slow down the escape of heat, especially in stored in bodies of water. Snow is a great insulator because it is 90-95% air.
Questions we will investigate…
1. What physical characteristic of snow makes it an effective insulator?
2. What type of snow do you think would be the best insulator:
Wet, heavy snow
dry, well-packed snow;
or new, fluffy snow?
3. What do you need to measure in order to determine the density of snow?
Passive houses greatly reduce air pollution and climate-warming emissions
We’ll kick off the climate conversation over some cocoa at 2:30 pm around a bonfire with s’mores. Since heating and cooling our homes make up about 17% of our personal climate footprints, we will learn about a way to minimize our impacts.
Passive House is the world’s most rigorous energy efficiency building standard. What makes it different from other energy efficiency models is that Passive House focuses on occupant comfort and health first and it is this focus that drives everything else, including energy efficiency, resiliency, healthy indoor air, and reduced carbon emissions. Marcy’s 10-minute talk will describe the 5 principles of Passive House and how it can be used to drastically lower energy use in buildings, as well as create a comfortable, healthy indoor environment for people inside. Passive House methods can be used for any type of building project, including renovations and upgrades.
Marcy Conrad Nutt is a LEED APA Certified Passive House Designer with Alchemy. This company has been using efficient building methods since its founding in 1992. They utilize updated building science principles and innovative materials whenever possible. Their innovative weeHouse® system and farm-tech projects have gained national + international recognition.
Each Alchemy project exemplifies its dedication to limiting waste and maximizing the impact of its efforts. They leverage the intimacy of their (typically) smaller footprints with a modern aesthetic by efficiently using space, technology, and good environmental stewardship. By combining low-tech passive solar principles with high-tech renewable energy technologies, they continue to develop work that is functional and efficient. Their goal is to make meaningful, engaging, and efficient design accessible.
Connect
Special Services
COVID Precautions
Social distancing. Whenever possible, social distancing will be observed by asking participants to spread out.
Sanitizing. Hand sanitizer will be available for participants to use. If you have a certain kind of hand sanitizer you prefer, please bring that along with you.
Health screening. Please stay home if you have been exposed to COVID-19 or are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath. We ask that all participants evaluate their health before attending a program.
Dress for the weather.
How was the event?
Your input is vital! We need to know what went well and what we can improve upon.
