Activity Introduction

Quick summary: Students collect data about household energy consumption. They analyse their data and think of energy saving strategies then present them to the class.

Learning goals for this activity include:

  • Collect data about household energy consumption
  • Demonstrate ability to work independently to read and follow instructions.
  • Perform mathematical calculations to complete activity.
  • Communicate effectively in fair and considered class-wide discussion on issues.
  • Demonstrate ability to support personal opinion on issues with independent research (extension).

Australian Curriculum Mapping 

Content descriptions:

Year 7 Science

  • Summarise data, from students’ own investigations and secondary sources, and use scientific understanding to identify relationships and draw conclusions (ACSIS130)

Year 7 Mathematics

  • Investigate techniques for collecting data, including census, sampling and observation (ACMSP284)
  • Explore the practicalities and implications of obtaining data through sampling using a variety of investigative processes (ACSMP206)

Year 8 Science

  • Summarise data, from students’ own investigations and secondary sources, and use scientific understanding to identify relationships and draw conclusions(ACSIS145)

Year 8 Mathematics

  • Investigate techniques for collecting data, including census, sampling and observation (ACMSP284)

Syllabus Outcomes: SC4-7WS.

Topic: Energy

Year levels: 7 and 8

Indoor or outdoor activity: Indoor

Time required: N/A – This activity should be set as homework or set over the period of one whole day.

Learning areas addressed: Mathematics, Geography, Science.

Level of teacher scaffolding: Provide students with a typical price for electricity. Assist students in analysing their energy usage. Engage students in a discussion around the conclusions they might draw from analyzing their data.

Resources required: Student Worksheet, writing materials.

Homework and extension opportunities: This activity should be set as homework or set over the period of one whole day.

Keywords: Energy, consumption, reduction, presentation.

Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.

Worksheets

Teacher Worksheet

Teacher preparation

How much energy does a home use in a day? Is some of this energy wasted?

Provide students with a typical energy cost. Some students may want to refer to their home bills and compare the cost.

On the Student Worksheet students will be asked to:

  • Write down the name of the appliance in column A
  • Write down the Watts for that appliance in column B. Use the appliance list provided as a general guide to the wattage unless the wattage is in clear general view. NB students should not poke around or handle appliance looking for labels. 
  • Estimate how many hours you use the appliance for and write it down in column C.
  • In column D, work out the units of electricity used. To do this:
  • Multiply Watts by hours used (column B x column C)
  • Divide by 1000
  • Write the answer into column E
  • In column F, write the cost by multiplying the units used by the price per unit. You can find the unit price on the electricity bill. It is usually represented as rate c/kWh (cents pe
...
 
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Student Worksheet

Instructions

In this activity you will be working out how much energy you use on average over one day! Follow the instructions to fill in table 1.

Step 1:

Write down the name of the appliance in column A. Write down the Watts for that appliance in column B. You also have a general guide to the wattage of many appliances. Only use the wattage printed on the appliance if you can easily see without poking around.

Estimate how many hours you used the appliance for and write it down in column C

Step 2:

In column D work out the units of electricity used. To do this:

  • Multiply Watts by hours used (column B x column C)
  • Divide by 1000
  • Write the answer into column E 

Step 3:

In column F write the cost by multiplying the units used by the price per unit.

You can find the unit price on the electricity bill. It is usually represented as
rate c/kWh (cents per kilowatts)

If you prefer do your calculations on a spreadsheet application.

Table 1.

  Appliances Power
(Watt
...
 
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