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Can we save our school money while saving the planet?
Energy is expensive. Plus, using too much energy is bad for the planet. In this project, students will conduct an energy audit of their school to help the planet—and their school’s pocketbook. Then, they will design, test, refine, and share solutions to reduce energy consumption. Finally, students will pitch the costs and benefits of their solutions to stakeholders.
Imagine if thousands of kids just like yours, all around the country, started making smart choices about energy consumption and shared that knowledge with others. What an impact this would have on sustainability!
Project Learning Targets
Lesson 1: Students understand the importance of saving energy.
Lesson 2: Students reflect on the energy usage of common household appliances.
Lesson 3: Students understand the different ways in which energy is used in their homes.
Lesson 4: Students understand the importance of saving energy.
Lesson 5: Students understand the value of responsible decision-making as they independently conduct an energy audit.
Lesson 6: Students analyze audit data and strategize ways to reduce energy use in their school.
Lesson 7: Students think iteratively to refine their presentations.
Lesson 8: Students present information to stakeholders.
For lesson descriptions, download the project overview.
For K–8 content connections, download the content correlations.
What is included with your project?
Sample Online Resources
- “Which Bulb is Better?” Experiment Plan
- “What Uses Watt Card” Game
- Energy Efficiency Video (YouTube 3:39)
- Energy Usage Calculator
- School Energy Audit
- And so much more!
Kit Supplies
- Dollar bill
- Incandescent bulb
- CFL bulb
- Wattage meter
- English Language Arts: Research to Build and Share Knowledge
- Math: Operations with Decimals
- Science: Protecting Earth’s Resources
- Social Studies: Benefits and Costs of Individual Choices
- Social-Emotional Learning: Self-Awareness and Responsible Decision Making
- Learn from an Architect
- Lessons from an Energy Auditor
- Connect with an Energy Provider
- Pitch the Principal
- Take it to the Capitol
Making the Circuit
Recommend a change to make your school more energy efficient and then start a petition on a “circuit” of your school in order to make your recommendation a reality!
- Engagement Hooks
- Connections and Rapport
To see a complete list of what’s included in your project, download the project overview.
About the Author
Paul Yenne
5th Grade Teacher
Steele Elementary School
Colorado Springs, CO
Each Blue Apple Project Includes:
- Engaging lessons designed to make learning memorable, meaningful, and fun
- PBL Supports such as: real-world connections, collaboration options, cross-curricular content, and just-in-time professional development
- Time-saving links to dozens of curated online resources
- Kit of supplies that bring your project to life
- Access to a Project Coach to ask questions and share ideas... you're never alone!
