Unit 4 – Testing a Model Building – is comprised of 3 activities which that have been informed by the ENERGE Energy Literacy Framework. A guide to the Framework can be found on the main page. This unit deals with the idea of a model house that uses less energy to heat the rooms and makes use of scientific discoveries and technological resources to minimize energy consumption. The house analysis will be the starting point to explore some important scientific concepts related to heating and cooling of bodies and to heat transfer. Through constructing models of polystyrene, wood, plastic and cardboard, warmed by a light bulb placed inside, students apply the same principles of science and engineering that are taken into account in the construction of a real house. In many countries a large percentage of energy consumption is due to heating and cooling of buildings. Therefore, the search for more efficient methods of construction to improve the energy efficiency of buildings is extremely important. Less energy means less fossil fuels and thus a lower amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere The activities in this unit are suitable for lower and upper second level students. The energy literacy outcomes, the associated skills & competencies addressed and how the activities link to the national curricula are outlined in tables 4.1-4.3. A summary and download link for each activity is provided below