Great Resource

In, Empowering Students to Investigate Their Energy Consumption With a Safe, Easy-to-Use, Low-Cost Electrical Energy Meter, the author details an activity in which middle school students use... See More

In, Empowering Students to Investigate Their Energy Consumption With a Safe, Easy-to-Use, Low-Cost Electrical Energy Meter, the author details an activity in which middle school students use an electric energy meter to investigate how much energy common household devices use, which devices are energy efficient, which devices use energy when plugged in but not in use, and the monthly cost of each of those devices (Darling, 2012). The investigation used in this article relates to the National Science Education Standards 5-8, A Framework for K-12 Science Education Standards, and the Georgia Standards of Excellence for 8th grade science. Energy is a crosscutting concept and a core idea in physical science. Due to the necessity of establishing sustainable energy policies that aid in energy conservation for future use, it is also a hot topic in the news. Because it describes a relevant learning experience that middle school science teachers can use with their students, I found this article to be both educational and beneficial. Even though I do not teach science, I believe that having students research their energy use has many benefits, from teaching critical thinking to raising awareness of environmental issues. It enables students to comprehend how their decisions and routines affect energy use and, as a result, have an impact on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Understanding energy use requires real-world, experiential learning. Students can gather information, look for trends, and use their discoveries to guide their judgments. This method goes beyond merely imparting information; it also offers real-world experiences that are more likely to be remembered. Investigating energy use gives students the confidence to accept personal accountability for their activities. They are able to pinpoint places where they can alter their behavior for the better and lessen their ecological imprint. Students can also use their understanding of energy usage as a useful life skill throughout their entire lives. Hopefully, the knowledge they gain will positively affect the choices they make as consumers, homeowners, and potential professionals. Investigations into energy use can incorporate a variety of topics, including physics, arithmetic, economics, and social studies. This multidisciplinary approach offers a comprehensive comprehension of energy-related problems. To reduce energy waste, students will need to assess data, spot trends, and offer solutions. By doing this, they improve their ability to solve problems. The outcomes of the investigation in this article have the potential to impact decisions far beyond the science classroom. Students can work together with their families, schools, or communities to support sustainable activities and promote energy-efficient behaviors. In general, encouraging students to look into their energy use helps them develop into more knowledgeable, accountable, and environmentally concerned individuals who can actively contribute to a more sustainable world.

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.