In this activity, students will explore the concept of energy output and consumption using energy readers like a Kill A Watt Meter. They will learn about the costs associated with energy through readings and a simple energy audit.
This is a two part lesson. In the first part, students will be using a Kill A Watt Meter to measure how much energy an electronic device (tablet, laptop, phone) uses for Internet searches, playing games, etc. In the second part of the lesson, students will calculate the daily cost to supply energy to operate classroom items.
The Details
Grades
3rd - 5th Grade
Time Required
2 class periods
Downloads
Materials
- Kill A Watt Meter
- Tablets, cell phones, or laptops
- Calculators
- “Story of an Energy Bill” slide deck
- Projected image of classroom energy use (in slide deck) or a teacher-made anchor chart
- Classroom Energy Estimation Guide
- Printed Powered UP poster to put outside of classroom
- 3-4 different types of light bulbs, some energy efficient and some not (for extension activity only)
Next Generation Science Standards
Cross-Cutting Concepts
- Energy & Matter
Disciplinary Core Ideas
- PS3.A Definitions of Energy
- PS3.B Conservation of Energy & Energy Transfer
- PS3.C Relationship Between Energy & Forces
Learning Objectives
- Explain how to measure energy using a Kill A Watt Meter
- Identify how much energy it takes to power a common school or household item
- Identify the cost associated with energy usage
- Make decisions on how to reduce energy consumption