Washington, D.C.   Smithsonian Museums Web Assignment Click on the link above to start the Smithsonian Museum assignment. Smithsonian http://www.si.edu/  The list of Smithsonian Museums and their link is on the right side of the page, including the link for the National Zoo. Note that most, but not all of the Smithsonian Museums are in Washington, D.C. or in "The National Mall" area.  Map Click here for a map of Smithsonian Museums that are on or near the "National Mall". Note that the The Arts and Industries Building is closed in preparation for renovation   National 4-H Youth Conference Center http://www.4hcenter.org Youth section of the 4-H Conference site. Get information on the guest rooms and other facilities. Take a virtual tour. You will want to visit the Youth section.    US Botanical Garden http://www.usbg.gov/    International Spy Museum http://www.spymuseum.org/

Green Buildings Classroom Architect http://classroom.4teachers.org/  Using this floor-planning tool, design a floor plan for your classroom.   Green Building and Ecological Design http://www.ecoschools.com/GreenBuilding/GreenBuilding_wSidebar.html  The list of green building and ecological design resources on this site are just a fraction of what is on the internet, but they claim to be a good place to start. The list of case studies below includes examples of schools around the world that include significant ecological design elements in their classroom buildings.   Why Build Green? http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=291&  U.S. Green Building Council. Our Research Page includes detailed statistics on building industry impacts, green building benefits, and more. Greening America's Schools: Costs and Benefits http://www.cap-e.com/ewebeditpro/items/O59F9819.pdf  PDF document. Capital E, October 2006 |  Download (1.1Mb) This study of 30 green schools built during the period 2001 to 2006 in 10 states found that green schools use an average of 33 percent less energy and 32 percent less water than conventional schools, demonstrating that green schools can be more cost-effective despite the slightly higher initial price tag that averages 1-2 percent. The report also summarizes research from other major studies showing the health and community benefits of green schools. School Operations and Maintenance: Best Practices for Controlling Energy Costs http://www.ase.org/uploaded_files/greenschools/School%20Energy%20Guidebook_9-04.pdf  PDF document. Princeton Energy Resources International, August 2004 |  Download (3.5Mb) This 132-page guidebook is designed for K-12 school system business officials and facility managers to integrate energy efficiency into building operation and maintenance of school buildings. It not only provides technical information, but also organizational information on barriers, challenges, and the necessary steps required to develop this type of energy management program within the school district organizational structure. The guide also provides case studies and identifies common practices that have been successful in a wide variety of American school districts. National Review of Green Schools: Costs, Benefits, and Implications for Massachusetts http://www.cap-e.com/ewebeditpro/items/O59F7707.pdf  (815 KB pdf) - Greg Kats, Jeff Perlman, et. al (December, 2005) 72 page report Building Connecticut Leadership in Green Buildings and Clean Energy: A Report to Connecticut Innovations http://www.cap-e.com/publications/CapE_CT_GB_April01.pdf  23 page report (150 KB pdf) - Greg Kats (April, 2001) The Alliance to Save Energy - Promoting Energy Efficiency Worldwide: Programs: Green Schools http://www.ase.org/section/program/greenschl  Energy costs are an enormous expense for our nation's schools. To help free up more resources for education while strengthening academic learning, the Alliance 's Green Schools Program engages students in creating energy-saving activities in their schools, using hands-on, real-world projects. Through basic changes in the operations, maintenance, and individual behavior, Green Schools has achieved reductions in energy use of 5 to 15 percent among participating schools. In addition, Green Schools encourages students to apply the lessons of energy-efficiency message in their homes and communities. Learn more about Green Schools and how to get involved and visit our Green Schools in Action page to read featured case studies from our schools.  Building Green Schools Resource List http://www.nesea.org/buildings/greenschoolsresources.html  Northeast Sustainable Energy Association Solar Heating- Tools and solutions http://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/www/html/1932-tools-and-solutions.asp?intSiteID=4  The four main areas of solar innovation are solar heating and cooling, day lighting and shading, solar hot water and solar power generation. On this site, find a list on some solar technology solutions that highlights appropriate applications, construction issues, estimated costs, suppliers, references and indicative energy savings. "Energy Alternatives and Conservation "  [Executive Summary in PDF format] [Full Report in PDF format] Released December 31, 2006 The Commerce, Energy and Technology, and Environmental Committees of the Connecticut General Assembly asked the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering (CASE) to conduct an assessment of energy alternatives and conservation actions which have the potential to reduce reliance on oil and fossil fuels over the next ten years; which are applicable to Connecticut; and which would spur innovation, diversity and consumer choice. To conduct this assessment, CASE assembled a Study Committee of both in-state and national experts on energy efficiency, conservation, and alternative energy.   Articles Scholastic News: My Town is Going Green http://content.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=11966  Kid Reporter gets a sneak peak of his new school. Scholastic News Online. Article by John Foran.  Scholastic News: Going Green http://content.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=11964  Kid Reporter learns about a roof made from plants. Scholastic News Online. Article by Maeve Hammond. Life in a Green School http://content.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=11843  Connecticut students restock rivers, compost lunches, and save the world. Scholastic News Onlnine. Article by Katherine Forbes. Montana 's "Green" Library http://content.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=11845  Contaminated site now home to Earth-friendly public library. Scholastic News Online. Article by  Mila Loneman.  NewHour Extra: Green Buildings Take Root in Cities, Schools http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/july-dec06/green_12-26.html  Article Posted: 12.26.06  A growing number of cities, businesses and school districts are discovering the benefits of "green" buildings that are environmentally friendly and reduce energy waste. Why Building Green Schools Makes Sense: Does a better building produce better students? http://www.naesp.org/ContentLoad.do?contentId=1495  Jo Cohen. National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). Principal - Closing the Gaps. March/April 2005 Volume 84 No. 4 The Top 10 Green Schools in the U.S. : 2005 http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/109/schools Jane Holtz Kay. Green Guide 109 | July/August 2005 | News and Views The True Costs of Building Green http://www.buildings.com/Articles/detailBuildings.asp?ArticleID=3029  The cost premium for green buildings is nominal over that of traditional, "to-code" structures. Buildings go 'green' to save energy http://www.usgbc.org/News/USGBCInTheNewsDetails.aspx?ID=3137 Elizabeth Moore. USGBC In The News. Newsday ( New York ). 5/14/2007 School pays higher price for eco-friendly technology, but says it's worth it http://www.usgbc.org/News/USGBCInTheNewsDetails.aspx?ID=3101  CNN. USGBC In The News. 4/23/2007