Activity: Conserving Electric Energy
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Activity: Conserving Electric Energy
(Information courtesy of the American Coal Foundation)
Overview:
Students participate in two experiments in which they (1) gain an appreciation for their
dependency on electricity and (2) learn how regulating the rate of energy consumption
makes the energy source last longer.
Objectives:
Students will:
• gain an appreciation for their dependency on electricity,
• analyze and contrast two graphs measuring the consumption of a resource under
modified regulations, and
• understand that regulating the rate of consumption of a resource allows it to last
longer.
Materials:
Pen and paper
Cookies or crackers (two per student)*
Overhead projector or blackboard
*Do not use any products that contain peanuts in case there are students with allergies.
Discussion Questions:
In what activities do you participate that are dependent on electricity?
How is that electricity generated?
Do you know how much coal and other natural resources are needed to generate the
electricity you use in a given day?
Procedure:
After conducting a brief discussion about the nation's immense dependence on electricity,
explain to students that more than half of the United States' electricity is generated by
coal—far more than any other energy source. Our country's demand for electricity is on
the rise as the use of microelectronic (e.g., computers) and other electronic equipment
increases.
Ask students if they think they could live in their homes without electricity for just two
hours. What would their lifestyle be like? For homework, ask students to try to survive
without using any electricity for two hours. Discuss as a class the items that students will
have to abstain from using. The list may include the following:
Radio or stereo
Computer
Microwave
Electric Stove
Hairdryer
Dishwasher
Washing machine Clothes dryer
Lighting
Video gamer
TV/VCR/DVD
Can opener
Toaster