Student Energy Consumption

Students are always hearing about energy but know very little about how much energy they actually consume in their own homes. The author discuses how teachers can empower students to explor... See More

Students are always hearing about energy but know very little about how much energy they actually consume in their own homes. The author discuses how teachers can empower students to explore and analyze their energy consumption using an inexpensive, easy to use electrical energy meter. This article talks about what an electrical meter is and how it is used. The author offers his suggestions of monitoring five common home devises for a week to gather information. He introduces and discuses the term “vampire” device (a device that when turned “off” still consumes electricity). An excellent Activity Worksheet (Part 1) “Investigating your energy consumption” and (Part 2) “Killing a vampire with Kill a Watt”, is also provided by this article. In the articles conclusion, the author shows how teachers can use the data. The outcome, according to the author, is that students will be able to make thoughtful decisions about their own energy consumption. This is an excellent article for Middle school teachers to consider using in their Energy Unit. It is user friendly and shows the many NSES standards and Framework connections.