This unit shows learners how electricity is created, used, measured, and conserved. Learners explore energy conservation and energy efficiency using a lab activity about lightbulbs and a research assignment about alternative energy resources. Students plan and carry out a project to advocate for conserving energy and using green technology. They demonstrate to members of the school or local community their learning about renewable resources that promote conservation. The purpose of this unit is to empower learners to advocate for responsible use of energy resources. While this unit is written specifically to address the "greening of New Jersey," it is adaptable to any community.  

Focus Question: What is an individual's responsibility for the environment?

The learner will:

• learn to read an electric meter.
• record energy usage in a chart.
• calculate energy consumption.
• determine activities and practices that use more electricity.
• describe how electricity is generated and distributed.
• define and compare renewable and non-renewable energy resources.
• define stewardship as the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care.
• brainstorm ways to conserve energy.
• write three ways his/her family can save energy.
• complete a lab activity comparing two lightbulbs.
• compare the appearance, cost, and brightness of incandescent and compact fluorescent lightbulbs.
• calculate the costs of each type of lightbulb (cost to buy and cost to use).
• brainstorm the environmental benefits of using one type of lightbulb.
• discuss ways to encourage others to use one type of lightbulb.
• research renewable energy resources.
• develop an action plan for using renewable resources.
• publish a print piece, create an informational film, or present a plan to a group in the community.

Make sure student labs and electricity-use diaries are complete. Evaluate the group presentations for accuracy, creativity, and effectiveness.

Check with your local power company to see if they have a discarded electric meter that you might have to use to demonstrate how to read the meter.

Note: In Lesson One, there is a week between Day One and Day Two while students collect data at home. Several optional activities are provided for this time in Lesson One Extensions.