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Energy, Climate, and You
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Teacher Guide
A multidisciplinary unit that introduces students to energy consumption, energy efficiency, conservation and energy burden in Rhode Island, and how energy use can impact the climate and the health of Rhode Islanders.
Grade Level: Pri Int
Pri Ele
Int
Intermediate Ele
Sec
Secondary
Sec Subject Areas: Science
Social Studies
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NEED Mission Statement The mission of The NEED Project is to promote an energy conscious and educated society by creating effective networks of students, educators, business, government and community leaders to design and deliver objective, multisided energy education programs.
Teacher Advisory Board Constance Beatty Kankakee, IL
Barbara Lazar Albuquerque, NM
La’shree Branch Highland, IN
Robert Lazar Albuquerque, NM
Jim M. Brown Saratoga Springs, NY
Leslie Lively Porters Falls, WV
Mark Case Randleman, NC
Melissa McDonald Gaithersburg, MD
Amy Constant - Schott Raleigh, NC
Nicole McGill Washington, DC
Nina Corley Galveston, TX
Hallie Mills St. Peters, MO
Samantha Danielli Vienna, VA
Jennifer Mitchell Winterbottom Pottstown, PA
Shannon Donovan Greene, RI Nijma Esad Washington, DC Michelle Garlick Long Grove, IL Nancy Gifford Harwich, MA Erin Gockel Farmington, NM Robert Griegoliet Naperville, IL Bob Hodash Bakersfield, CA DaNel Hogan Tucson, AZ Greg Holman Paradise, CA
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Mollie Mukhamedov Port St. Lucie, FL
Permission to Copy NEED curriculum is available for reproduction by classroom teachers only. NEED curriculum may only be reproduced for use outside the classroom setting when express written permission is obtained in advance from The NEED Project. Permission for use can be obtained by contacting info@need.org.
Teacher Advisory Board In support of NEED, the national Teacher Advisory Board (TAB) is dedicated to developing and promoting standardsbased energy curriculum and training.
Energy Data Used in NEED Materials NEED believes in providing teachers and students with the most recently reported, available, and accurate energy data. Most statistics and data contained within this guide are derived from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Data is compiled and updated annually where available. Where annual updates are not available, the most current, complete data year available at the time of updates is accessed and printed in NEED materials. To further research energy data, visit the EIA website at www.eia.gov.
Cori Nelson Winfield, IL Don Pruett Jr. Puyallup, WA Judy Reeves Lake Charles, LA Libby Robertson Chicago, IL Tom Spencer Chesapeake, VA Jennifer Trochez MacLean Los Angeles, CA Wayne Yonkelowitz Fayetteville, WV
1.800.875.5029 www.NEED.org © 2020
©2020 The NEED Project
Energy, Climate, and You Teacher Guide
Energy, Climate, and You Teacher Guide Table of Contents Image courtesy of Deepwater Wind, Block Island
Kit Contents 2 Digital thermometers 1 Hygrometer 1 Light meter 1 Kill A Watt® meter 1 Infrared (IR) Thermometer 1 Vinyl tubing (2ft) 1 Erlenmeyer flask 1 Rubber stopper 4 Alka Seltzer® Tablets
Standards Correlation Information
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A Letter to Teachers
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Materials List
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Teacher Guide Lesson 1 7 Forms of Energy Master U.S. Energy Consumption by Source, 2018 Master
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Fossil Fuel Formation Master
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U.S. Electricity Generation by Source, 2018 Master
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Energy Source Cards
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Lesson 2 17
This module was created in partnership with the Rhode Island Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council. NEED gratefully acknowledges those from EERMC, The Rhode Island Department of Health, and The Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources who helped to create this unit.
©2020 The NEED Project
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Energy Use by Sector Master
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Today in Energy Cards
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Student Energy Audit Recording Form
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Recommended Light Levels Master
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Light Meter Master
30
Digital Thermometer Master
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Hygrometer Master
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Kill A Watt® Meter Master
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Infrared (IR) Thermometer Master
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Lesson 3
38
Carbon Cycle Master
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Greenhouse Gases Master
40
Climate Web Hang Tags
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Temperature Map of Rhode Island Master
50
Lesson 4
51
Web Resources and Additional Information
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Evaluation Form
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Energy, Climate, and You Teacher Guide
www.NEED.org
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Standards Correlation Information https://www.NEED.org/educators/curriculum-correlations/
Next Generation Science Standards This guide effectively supports many Next Generation Science Standards. This material can satisfy performance expectations, science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and cross cutting concepts within your required curriculum. For more details on these correlations, please visit NEED’s curriculum correlations website.
Common Core State Standards This guide has been correlated to the Common Core State Standards in both language arts and mathematics. These correlations are broken down by grade level and guide title, and can be downloaded as a spreadsheet from the NEED curriculum correlations website.
Individual State Science Standards This guide has been correlated to each state’s individual science standards. These correlations are broken down by grade level and guide title, and can be downloaded as a spreadsheet from the NEED website.
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©2020 The NEED Project
Energy, Climate, and You Teacher Guide
www.NEED.org
Letter to Teachers Dear Educator: This curriculum was developed in partnership with The Rhode Island Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council, The Rhode Island Department of Health Climate Change Program, and The NEED Project. This multidisciplinary unit is designed to help students become aware of the relationships between energy consumption and the health of the climate and people around them. We hope students will also develop an awareness of environmental justice and inequities that can have influences on one’s local environment and personal health outcomes. Much of our health is determined by where we live, work, go to school, and engage our communities. Systemic social, economic, and environmental inequities may have a great influence on our health outcomes. Energy consumption is strongly interwoven into this discussion. Climate change is a major concern for Rhode Island today. As we address our energy consumption in relation to climate and environment health, it is also important to address the health of our communities in Rhode Island and how energy consumption and climate solutions can have adverse effects on the health of some communities and minimal effects on others. We hope that this curriculum will help you and your students become educated energy consumers, as they explore how we produce, consume and save energy, and how this can affect our homes, communities, and our health. Happy learning! The Rhode Island Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council serves Rhode Islanders in their homes and businesses by providing feedback about energy decisions. The Council’s goal is to ensure Rhode Islanders are getting the least expensive and most environmentally healthy energy supply through energy efficiency, conservation, and resource management. For more information, visit https://rieermc.ri.gov/ The Rhode Island Department of Health Climate Change Program works closely with community members to prepare for the human health effects of climate change and to create a healthy, sustainable, and resilient future for all Rhode Islanders. For more info, visit https://health.ri.gov/healthrisks/climatechange/
©2020 The NEED Project
Energy, Climate, and You Teacher Guide
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Materials List ACTIVITY
MATERIALS NEEDED FROM KIT
Energy Roundup
Colored cardstock or paper Scissors Tape
Candy Collector
Straws Scissors Tape M&M candies or similar Jellybeans or similar Stopwatch or timer Empty cups, bowls, or containers
Today In Energy
Cardstock Scissors Tape (optional)
Student Energy Audits
Digital thermometer Hygrometer Light meter Kill A Watt® meter
Clipboards
Can I Really Fry An Egg On The Sidewalk?
Infrared themometer
Plug Loads
Kill A Watt® meter
Stopwatch or timer
Greenhouse in a Beaker
Vinyl tubing Digital thermometers Erlenmeyer flask Rubber stopper with hole Alka-Seltzer® tablets
600 mL beakers or similar cups Light fixtures Light bulbs Masking Tape Rulers Water Safety glasses
Climate Web
Mini Heat Island
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ADDITIONAL MATERIALS NEEDED
Cardstock String or yarn Scissors Hole punch Infrared (IR) thermometer Digital thermometer
© 2020
Boxes Clear tape or transparency film Box cutter Masking or packaging tape Rulers Light fixtures with heat bulbs Baking sheet or tray Scissors Soil, sand, sod Additional materials to simulate building and landscape
The © 2020 NEED Project The NEEDEnergy, ProjectClimate, Rhodeand Island YouClimate TeacherHealth Guide
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Teacher Guide Grade Level
Unit Preparation Preview the unit and decide which activities you will conduct in class. We recommend at least one activity from each lesson, keeping in mind that the most connections among energy, climate change, health, and social justice will be made in students who experience all of the activities. Consult materials lists and gather supplies needed for the unit. Preview Lesson 4, the concurrent project, and determine how you want students to complete this project, and how you will introduce and integrate it within the other lessons. Review the web resources, papers, and other links to become more familiar with the issues addressed and Rhode Island’s energy picture.
Lesson 1 – Energy Sources and Electricity Generation; Carbon Dioxide Emissions &Background This lesson focuses on the energy sources we use and the transformations that take place when we use them. The lesson focuses on all of the sources that provide our total energy and generate electricity, as well as the consequences to the environment that go along with fossil fuel use.
Objectives
Intermediate, 6-8 Secondary, 9-12
Additional Resources NEED has several guides and activities that can support and enhance the content covered in this unit. Visit shop.NEED.org for free downloads of the titles below and many more! Secondary Energy Infobook Intermediate Energy Infobook Understanding Climate Science Exploring Climate Science
Web Resources For a list of helpful resources, see page 52.
Students will be able to explain the difference between potential and kinetic energy. Students will be able to name the various forms of potential and kinetic energy and provide an example. Students will be able to list the ten energy sources we use. Students will be able to explain the difference between renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. Students will be able to explain the environmental consequences of using fossil fuels for energy.
Time 1-2 class periods
Materials Energy Roundup Posters and Energy Source Cards (See Energy Roundup instructions, pages 13-15) Candies for Candy Collector Straws (one per student) Bowls (three per student or group) Stopwatch or timer Masters, pages 9-12 Student Guide, pages 2-4; 17-18; 20-23 Blank Rhode Island Map (Student Guide, page 19), digital map and/or PDF copies of maps of your local area, state, or another area you wish to assign
2Preparation Prepare Energy Roundup Posters and Energy Source Cards. Prepare masters for projection. Gather materials for Candy Collector.
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Prepare physical or digital maps for your students to work with for the concurrent project. Decide on the energy infrastructure and electricity generation sites that you wish students to map out. Think about any additional items specific to the area students are studying that might make the project easier or provide more clarity at the end of the project. Hang Energy Roundup Posters on the day you will conduct the activity.
Procedure 1. Introduce the lesson by asking students how they use energy. Ask them to provide examples of energy that has been stored and energy in motion. 2. Define potential and kinetic energy. Project the Forms of Energy master, and explain each energy form. 3. Demonstrate some simple energy transformations, like a burning candle, a bouncing superball, or the heat generated from rubbing hands together rapidly. Explain that in each example, one form of energy is transformed into another, but no energy is ever lost in the process. 4. Project the U.S. Energy Consumption by Source, 2018 master. Define renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. List the ten energy sources we use today, providing examples and uses of each. Ask students which energy sources they used in the last 24 hours. 5. Using the master, have students add the amount of energy provided by renewable and nonrenewable resources. Ask them to suggest explanations for the percentage distribution. 6. Shift the focus to fossil fuels. Define the term and explain the origins. Project the Fossil Fuel Formation master and ask students for similarities and differences. Steer students’ observations toward recognizing that all fossil fuels are the remains of ancient plants and animals that were compressed and chemically altered over long periods of time, and that while their composition varies they are all composed primarily of carbon and hydrogen, with some other elements in much smaller amounts. 7. Explain that when we use fossil fuels for energy sources, we must burn them to release the energy stored within their molecular bonds. Explain that in combustion, oxygen is added. Demonstrate the chemical reaction equations for hydrogen(H), methane (CH4), and propane (C3H8). Show students how oxygen is added, and oxides are the product. Underline the oxides. Explain that when hydrocarbon compounds like methane and propane burn, carbon dioxide is one product. 2H2 + O2 2H2O CH4 + 2O2 CO2 + 2H2O C3H8 + 5O2 3CO2 + 4H2O 8. Define greenhouse gases, and list the most common ones (water vapor, methane, and carbon dioxide). Explain that burning fossil fuels for energy has resulted in significant increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide, leading to climate change effects we are seeing today. Describe and explain some of the effects as may be appropriate or relevant to your students. 9. Project the U.S. Electricity Generation by Source, 2018 master. Ask students to calculate the percentage of U.S. electricity provided by fossil fuels. 10. Introduce Energy Roundup to students and conduct the activity (pages 13-14). 11. Have students play Candy Collector following the directions on pages 16-17. 12. Have students begin work on the concurrent mapping project from Lesson 4, pages 51-52. Introduce the project, explaining that they will be focusing their project study on a specific area, which you will assign to them. 13. Distribute physical or digital copies, or direct students to the site(s) you wish for them to use to prepare their own digital maps. 14. Provide a list of the items you want students to include on their maps, and provide some items they may wish to include that might make the project easier to complete, such as the location of major transmission lines, etc. 15. Allow students some time to work on their maps, either in class or at home.
Extensions If you would like to go more in-depth about energy sources, download a copy of Energy Expos from shop.NEED.org and have students complete the Energy Source Expo. Extend your students’ knowledge about energy sources by using the curriculum guides pertaining to the energy source(s) that interest or are relevant to you and your students. Guides are available for coal, petroleum and natural gas (combined), uranium, hydropower, solar power, and wind energy at shop.NEED.org.
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© 2020
The © 2020 NEED Project The NEEDEnergy, ProjectClimate, Rhodeand Island YouClimate TeacherHealth Guide
www.NEED.org
MASTER
Forms of Energy All forms of energy fall under two categories:
POTENTIAL
KINETIC
Stored energy and the energy of position (gravitational).
The motion of waves, electrons, atoms, molecules, and substances.
CHEMICAL ENERGY is the energy stored in the bonds of atoms and molecules. Gasoline and a piece of pizza are examples. NUCLEAR ENERGY is the energy stored in the nucleus of an atom – the energy that holds the nucleus together. The energy in the nucleus of a plutonium atom is an example. ELASTIC ENERGY is energy stored in objects by the application of force. Compressed springs and stretched rubber bands are examples. GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL ENERGY is the energy of place or position. A child at the top of a slide is an example.
©2020 The NEED Project
Energy, Climate, and You Teacher Guide
RADIANT ENERGY is electromagnetic energy that travels in transverse waves. Light and x-rays are examples. THERMAL ENERGY is the internal energy that causes the vibration or movement of atoms and molecules in substances. Liquid water has more thermal energy than solid water (ice). MOTION ENERGY is the energy present in the movement of a substance from one place to another. Wind and moving water are examples. SOUND ENEGRY is the movement of energy through substances in longitudinal waves. Echoes and music are examples. ELECTRICAL ENERGY is the movement of electrons. Lightning and electricity are examples. www.NEED.org
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MASTER
U.S. Energy Consumption by Source, 2018 U.S. Energy Consumption by Source, 2018 NONRENEWABLE, 88.81%
RENEWABLE, 11.20%
Petroleum
Biomass
36.53%
Uses: transportation, manufacturing - Includes Propane
4.98%
Uses: electricity, heating, transportation
Natural Gas 30.79%
Hydropower 2.64%
Coal
13.13%
Wind
2.46%
8.36%
Solar
0.91%
Uses: electricity, heating, manufacturing - Includes Propane
Uses: electricity
Uses: electricity, manufacturing
Uranium
Uses: electricity
Uses: electricity
Uses: electricity, heating
*Propane consumption figures are reported as part of petroleum and natural gas totals.
Propane
Uses: heating, manufacturing
Geothermal 0.21% Uses: electricity, heating
Data: Energy Information Administration **Total does not equal 100% due to independent rounding.
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©2020 The NEED Project
Energy, Climate, and You Teacher Guide
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MASTER
Fossil Fuel Formation
How Coal Was Formed
Millions of years ago, dead plant matter fell into swampy water and over time, a thick layer of dead plants lay decaying at the bottom of the swamps. Over time, the surface and climate of the Earth changed, and more water and dirt washed in, halting the decay process, forming peat. The weight of the top layers of water and dirt packed down the lower layers of plant matter. Under heat and pressure, this plant matter underwent chemical and physical changes, pushing out oxygen and leaving rich hydrocarbon deposits. What once had been plants gradually turned into coal. Coal can be found deep underground (as shown in this graphic), or it can be found near the surface.
OCEAN OCEAN
Tiny Plants and Animals
SEDI
SAND
MEN
300
to 40
0 MI
LLIO
T AN
AND
D RO
SILT
CK
Trapped gas
N YE
ARS
Plant and Animal Remains
AGO
How Petroleum and Natural Gas Were Formed
50 to
100
M
ILLIO Tiny sea plants and animals died and N YE were buried on the ocean floor. ARS AGO Over hundreds of millions of years, the remains were burried deeper and deeper. Heat and pressure turned the plant and animal remains into oil and gas deposits.
Trapped oil
TOD AY Note: not to scale
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MASTER
U.S. Electricity Generation by Source, 2018
Other
Petroleum
0.32%
GEOTHERMAL, 0.32%
SOLAR, 1.53%
BIOMASS, 1.49%
WIND, 6.55%
HYDROPOWER, 6.89%
16.84%
RENEWABLES
U.S. Electricity Production, 2018 URANIUM
19.39% NATURAL GAS
35.29%
COAL
27.54%
0.61%
Data: Energy Information Administration *Total does not equal 100% due to independent rounding
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Energy, Climate, and You Teacher Guide
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Energy Roundup &Background This activity is a quick and fun way for students to learn more or check their understanding about energy sources used in the United States.
Objectives Students will be able to identify an energy source as renewable or nonrenewable. Students will be able to list some simple facts about each of the ten energy sources.
Time 15-30 minutes
Materials Colored cardstock, posterboard, or construction paper, 5 pieces each of 2 colors Energy Source Facts, page 14
Energy Source Cards, page 15 Scissors Tape
2 Preparation Decide if you will make re-usable posters (see Extensions). Gather materials. Cut out the Energy Source Cards for game use.
Procedure for Making Posters 1. Print the Energy Source Cards so that you have one card per student and an equal number of each energy source. Cut the graphics out and laminate, if necessary. 2. On sheets of plain paper, write down or print the six energy facts for each energy source. Do NOT write the names of the energy sources on these plain sheets of paper. 3. Number ten pieces of paper, one through ten, in large numbers. 4. Prepare five posters for the nonrenewable energy sources in one color and five posters for the renewable energy sources in another color, as follows. Mount one fact sheet to the lower half of each poster board, making sure the fact sheets correspond to the colors of the poster boards. Mount the top edge of the number sheets near the top of the posters. Do not secure the bottom edge of the number sheets to the posters; the number sheets will be used as flaps. 5. Write the names of the energy sources on the posters, underneath the number sheet flaps. Lightly secure the bottom edge of the number sheets with tape to the posters.
Procedure for Game Play 1. Mount the posters around the walls of the room. Space the posters equally apart and set up chairs for each station, if desired. 2. Explain that you have hung posters with clues around the room, and you will give them a card with an energy source. Students are to locate the poster they think describes their energy source without speaking to each other. Allow students only a few minutes to do this – up to 7 minutes maximum. 3. Have students carefully lift the flap covering the energy source name to check themselves, without revealing its identity to the rest of the class. Allow 2 or 3 more minutes for students to locate their correct posters, if necessary. 4. Allow energy source groups to select the three least revealing or most difficult to guess clues about their energy sources. Start with one group and have them read the three clues they suggested. The first group to guess that energy source correctly will then read their three difficult clues, and play progresses in this manner until all groups have read their clues.
Extension Energy source facts are updated annually and are also listed in Energy Games and Icebreakers, available from shop.NEED.org. Laminate the poster board and numbered flaps for repeated use, and tape new printed copies of energy source facts each year to keep statistics current. © 2020
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Energy, Climate, and You Teacher Guide
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Energy Source Facts Nonrenewable Energy Sources
Renewable Energy Sources
PETROLEUM
HYDROPOWER
1. 2. 3. 4.
My major use is for transportation. About 44 percent of me is imported from other countries. Most of me is refined into gasoline. I’m number one in the U.S., providing 37 percent of America’s total energy consumption. 5. Texas, North Dakota, and New Mexico are the leading states that produce me. 6. The United States is the world’s top producer of me.
1. I supply 5-10 percent of U.S. electricity, depending on the amount of rainfall. 2. I’m limited to certain geographic areas. 3. I provide between 15-20 percent of the world’s electricity. 4. I’m being used in over 2,500 locations in the U.S. 5. My facilities can disrupt wildlife and fish populations. 6. I require the Earth’s gravity to work.
COAL
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
I generate 27.5 percent of the nation’s electricity. I’m transported mostly by trains. Efforts are made to remove sulfur from me. I’m America’s most abundant fossil fuel. About 13 percent of me that is produced in the U.S. is exported to other countries. 6. Wyoming, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania are states that produce me.
NATURAL GAS 1. 2. 3. 4.
I heat roughly half of the nation’s homes. I’m colorless and odorless. My chemical name is methane. Electricity generation and industry are my largest consumers in the U.S. 5. I’m a cleaner burning fossil fuel. 6. I’m transported mostly by pipeline.
URANIUM 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
I’m the nation’s third leading source for generating electricity. I’m presently being used in 95 reactors in the U.S. I was first used in 1957 to make electricity. I supply about 19.4 percent of U.S. electricity. The U.S. leads the world in production of electricity from me. My power plants store my spent fuel waste products on site.
PROPANE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
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I’m colorless and odorless. My supply comes from processing natural gas and petroleum. I’m often used in rural areas and on farms. I supply less than 2 percent of the nation’s energy. I’m a portable source of heat energy. I’m normally stored under pressure.
© 2020
BIOMASS Methane gas can be made from me. Photosynthesis stores radiant energy in me. I get my energy from wood, garbage, and agricultural waste. I can be used to generate electricity. Ethanol can be made from me and used as a transportation fuel. Burning me can produce air pollution.
GEOTHERMAL 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
I produce less than one percent of U.S. energy. I’m used mainly in western states. I can be used for home heating and cooling. My energy comes from the Earth’s core. My major use is the production of electricity. I get my energy as a result of radioactive decay.
WIND 1. Most of my electricity is from Texas, Oklahoma, and Iowa. 2. I convert my motion energy directly into electrical energy with no cost for the fuel. 3. I produce no air pollution. 4. My turbines operate both on land and offshore. 5. I produce about 6.6 percent of U.S. electricity. 6. I’m caused by uneven heating of the Earth’s surface.
SOLAR 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
I’m not available at all hours of the day. I can be converted directly into electricity using photovoltaic cells. I’m great for water and home heating. I work better in some parts of the country. I supply about 1.5 percent of the nation’s electricity. I’m free to use, but you have to purchase and maintain my equipment.
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MASTER
Energy Source Cards
© 2020
The NEED Project
PETROLEUM
HYDROPOWER
COAL
BIOMASS
NATURAL GAS
GEOTHERMAL
URANIUM
WIND
PROPANE
SOLAR
Energy, Climate, and You Teacher Guide
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Candy Collector &Background This fun activity is designed to illustrate how energy use can be predicted, how renewable resources factor into energy use, and how disparity of energy resources among communities may feel. This activity can be played with non-food items to minimize germ spread, and potential for eating in the classroom.
Objectives Students will be able to calculate averages and per capita values. Students will be able to describe the feelings surrounding inequitable distribution of energy resources.
Time 1 class period
Materials PER STUDENT:
PER SMALL GROUP:
1 Straw Student Guide, pages 20-21
50 M&Ms candies, or similar 3 Jelly beans 2 Bowls A clear cup
2Preparation Gather supplies needed for the game. Put the M&Ms candies into bowls for each group. Set up stations so that each group will have each of the materials listed above, except the jelly beans. The jelly beans will be passed out later.
Procedure INTRODUCTION 1. Divide the students into groups of 2-4. Place a group at each station with the materials. Have them choose a name for their energy consuming community and record it in the data table in the Student Guide. 2. Explain to the students that the candy in the bowl will represent energy. The empty bowl is their discard bowl. 3. Tell students that during the game they will transfer candy from the full bowl to the cup to “consume energy.” However, they may only use the straws to transfer the energy – NO hands allowed! 4. Make sure students know they must wait to eat the candy until the end of the game.
PART 1: NONRENEWABLES 1. Set a timer for 15 seconds. 2. Tell groups that when the time starts, they will need to provide energy for their town. They must use their straw to provide suction to extract energy from the full bowl. They must transfer this energy into the cup. They may transfer as many candies as they can before the year ends, but they may not use their hands at all – not even to hold the straw! A year will last 15 seconds. 3. After 15 seconds, have students count how many candies made it into their cups during the “year.” Students should record this amount in the data table. 4. Ask students to keep a tally of how much they extracted and how much energy remains in the bowl. Ask students to discuss how long their energy might last. 5. Place any candy in the cup into the extra discard bowl. 6. Extract energy for 3 more “years,” following the steps above. Ask students how much energy remains in their bowl (if any). Have students calculate the average amount of “energy” their communities used and record the value in the data table. Ask them to predict how many years their energy sources would last.
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PART 2: NONRENEWABLES AND RENEWABLES 1. Tell students to place ALL candies back into one bowl. Add three jelly beans to each group’s bowl. 2. Explain to students that as time went on their town has become better able to identify and use renewable energy resources, and that they are to again “use” energy as in Round 1. 3. Set the timer for 15 seconds. Remind students they may only use their suction – NO HANDS! 4. Allow students to extract their energy for 15 seconds, transferring their candies into the bowl. After 15 seconds, have students record the energy consumption for the year in the data table. 5. Repeat for two more “years” and have students calculate the amount of energy they used, on average, and the percent of the energy that came from renewable resources (the jelly beans).
PART 3: INEQUITABLE ENERGY RESOURCE DISTRIBUTION 1. Again, have students return all of their candies to the bowl. 2. Move around the room, randomly adding to or taking away from the candy “sources” available to students. Make sure there is a wide range of resources among groups. 3. Repeat Part 2 as before. If student groups say they have run out of candy, tell them to make a mental note of it. 4. Lead students through the calculations and discuss the conclusions questions in the Student Guide.
Alternative for Individual Play If class structure, germs, or other considerations require an individual set-up, provide each student with three containers, a straw, and slightly fewer candies. During the second round, you can opt to eliminate “per person” requirements, and instead dictate a limit of candy per round of play.
Lesson 2 – Efficiency, Conservation, and Building Science &Background This lesson focuses on using energy wisely and how our buildings might influence the amount of energy we use. Students are introduced to energy efficiency and conservation, how technology can improve our energy efficiency, and how our buildings’ systems work together to either add to or take away from our efforts to use less energy.
Objectives Students will be able to explain energy efficiency and provide at least two examples. Students will be able to explain energy conservation and provide at least two examples. Students will be able to describe how technology has improved our energy management. Students will be able to identify the major parts of a building and explain how they use energy. Students will be able to identify the ways less advantaged neighborhoods may be penalized in energy efficiency efforts simply because of the age and construction materials of the buildings there.
Time 3-4 class periods
Materials Today in Energy Cards, see pages 21-25 Digital thermometer Hygrometer Light meter Infrared (IR) thermometer
Kill A Watt® meter Clipboards Student Audit Recording Form, pages 27-28 Student Guide, pages 5-12; 22-27
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2Preparation Secure permission from building administrators and your colleagues to enter spaces to audit. Decide if you will use the prepared Today in Energy cards, or if you will have students make their own, and make copies of the cards for each student, if desired. Make copies of the Student Energy Audit Recording Form, as needed. Decide if you will have students use a prepared Plug Loads spreadsheet (younger, less experienced students) or if you will have them develop their own (older, more experienced students). If you want students to use a prepared spreadsheet, you can download a copy from the NEED website; https://www.NEED.org/PlugLoadModel-2019/.
Procedure 1. Introduce the lesson. Explain energy management, and differentiate between energy efficiency and energy conservation. Highlight all of the ways we use energy efficiency to manage energy use. Initiate a discussion about whether all of these efficiency methods are available to everyone and have students list barriers to employing efficiency technologies and methods. Lead students to realize that financial restrictions may limit the extent to which some people can utilize technology to manage energy use or, a person may not own their home, or may live in a multi-use building and thus cannot make efficiency upgrades easily. 2. Ask students for examples of energy conservation. Some examples include turning lights off when leaving a room, lowering thermostat setting at night while people are sleeping, and keeping doors and windows closed while heating or cooling systems are operating. Discuss with students the different scenarios when these strategies could not be utilized, such as having a large family, or not having a thermostat within one’s own residence. 3. Project the Energy Use by Sector master. Briefly explain the sectors of the economy and the energy sources each uses for its energy needs. Differentiate between primary energy and total energy, explaining that while the electric power generation sector uses the most energy, that energy is then distributed to the other four sectors. Refer students to their project maps (lesson 4), asking them to locate power plants and other important energy facilities such as refineries. Call attention to the discussion about fossil fuels from Lesson 1, and lead students through a discussion of emissions and air quality. Attempt to get students to connect air quality with locations near these facilities. Ask leading questions if needed. 4. Introduce and preview Today in Energy. Lead students through the activity and remind them to record the two options for each activity and indicate their choices in the Student Guide. When the activity concludes, ask students how a limited financial budget for energy might influence the choices they make. 5. Define the building envelope for students, and discuss briefly the various ways the building envelope factors into energy management. 6. Preview Student Energy Audits. Put students into groups and assign areas to audit, per page 26. Allow students sufficient time to complete the audit of their assigned areas. 7. Preview Can I Really Fry an Egg on the Sidewalk? Demonstrate the proper use of the IR thermometer, emphasizing that the laser is not to be aimed at anyone’s face as it may damage eyes. Take students outdoors and have them complete the activity. 8. Discuss the results of the IR thermometer activity. Ask them which area(s) were the hottest and which were coolest. What do these areas have in common? How might this impact the use of energy indoors? How might planting trees near buildings change this? 9. Explain the Plug Loads activity. If necessary, review the use of spreadsheets with students and how to navigate and use formulas within them. 10. Discuss the results of Plug Loads and tie it back to the student energy audits. Ask students for ways the school can reduce the energy it uses. Ask students how the changes would impact the school’s carbon footprint. 11. Ask students how this information translates to home use. What are the similarities? What are the differences? 12. Conclude the lesson by having students refer back to their project maps. Have students access data about average family income, energy prices, age of construction, etc. and label their maps accordingly. Limit assigned data sets to the energy efficiency and building science concepts encompassed within this lesson. Good data sources include the U.S. Census Bureau, CIA Factbook, and Energy Information Administration.
Extensions Students may wish to conduct an energy saving campaign in school based on their audit results. Support their efforts but encourage them to conduct the campaign themselves through posters, video announcements, social media, and friendly competition. If students develop an energy saving campaign, no matter how large or small, consider submitting it as a project to NEED’s Youth Awards Program. More information can be found at https://www.need.org/need-students/youth-awards/.
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MASTER
Energy Use by Sector U.S. Primary Energy Consumption by Sector, 2018 RESIDENTIAL 6.84%
TRANSPORTATION
28.13%
Top Residential Sources:
Natural Gas Biomass Petroleum
Top Transportation Sources:
Petroleum Biomass Natural Gas
ELECTRIC POWER 37.81% INDUSTRIAL 22.72% Top Electric Power Sources: Top Industrial Sources: COMMERCIAL 4.74% Coal Natural Gas
Petroleum Propane
Top Commercial Sources:
Natural Gas Petroleum Propane
Naturals Gas Uranium
The residential, commercial, and industrial sectors use electricity. This graph depicts their energy source consumption outside of electricity. Data: Energy Information Administration *Total does not equal 100% due to independent rounding.
U.S. Total Energy Consumption by Sector, 2018 INDUSTRIAL 32.53%
TRANSPORTATION 28.21%
Top Industrial Sources:
Top Transportation Sources:
Natural Gas Petroleum Propane
Petroleum Biomass Natural Gas
COMMERCIAL 18.28%
RESIDENTIAL 21.22%
Top Commercial Sources:
Top Residential Sources:
Natural Gas Petroleum Propane
Natural Gas Biomass Petroleum
This graph depicts sector energy consumption with electricity included. Data: Energy Information Administration *Total does not equal 100% due to independent rounding. ©2020 The NEED Project
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Today in Energy &Background This activity is designed to help students become aware of the ways they use energy every day. It introduces students to the concepts of choice, trade-offs, and cost. Students are given a limited amount of money (in energy bucks) for a day of activities. They are given 13 twosided cards or are assigned to make their own cards that have activity choices on either side. Students will use math and critical thinking skills to plan their day so that they can pay for their choices and still have fun.
Objectives Students will be able to make choices about using energy based on good energy management principles. Students will be able to qualitatively analyze the amount of energy used by different activities throughout the day.
Time 15-30 minutes plus discussion time
Materials Today in Energy Cards, one set per student OR blank cardstock or 3x5 index cards Scissors Markers
2Preparation If you are using prepared Today in Energy Cards, copy one set per student. If you are having students prepare their own cards, gather enough cardstock or index cards such that students can have 13 cards.
Procedure 1. If you are using prepared Today in Energy Cards, distribute the copies to students. Have them cut their cards out on the solid lines, and fold on the dotted lines. They may wish to secure the folded cards with a piece of tape. There are two blank cards. Students can use these to create items of their own. 2. If you are having students prepare their own cards, distribute cardstock or index cards and have them follow directions to cut those into pieces. They will need at least 13 pieces. Direct students to think of at least 13 activities they do every day that use energy, including preparing and eating meals, and come up with two options for each. One option should use less energy and the other should use more energy. The dollar amounts should be aligned with the relative amount of energy each choice uses. For example, reheating pizza in a microwave would have a lower dollar amount than reheating pizza in an oven. Refer to the Plug Loads activity if students need inspiration. 3. Explain to students that they must pay for all the energy they use today. Tell them that they will have choices as shown on the set of cards, and that different choices cost different amounts of money. With each card, they will make a choice. 4. Allow students to work through the schedule to plan their own individual day, tallying their costs: a. If using prepared cards, have students make their choices (A or B for each card) and add up their costs. b. If students are making their own cards, have them trade with a partner, and make their choices using their partner’s card set. 5. Set a budget for energy consumption. If using a prepared card set, the budget should be $10 per day. If students made their own cards, that amount might need to be adjusted. Ask students how easily they would be able to fit their day into their energy budget. 6. Randomly assign new energy cost budgets to students. Give some an essentially unlimited energy budget, such as $100 per day, and give some a very limited energy budget, such as $5 or $7 per day. Have students break into small groups and discuss the budgets they were given and how that budget might impact their choices each day. 7. Reconvene the entire class and ask one person from each small group to share one or two key points while discussing how their budgets might affect their choices. Ask the students assigned very limited budgets which activities they would have to simply do without. 8. Discuss the activities and the options for each. Ask students to think of situations where they may not have any choice but to use the option that uses more energy. Ask them how it might impact a limited energy budget. 9. Introduce the concept of energy burden. Explain that the key in energy burden is not the actual amount spent on energy, but the proportion of income that is spent on energy. Ask which students in class, given their assigned energy burdens, might have a higher energy burden if this activity represented real life.
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MASTER
Today in Energy Cards Today in Energy 1-A
Today in Energy 1-B
Winter: Warm House (T-shirt) or Summer: Cool House (Air Conditioner)
Winter: Cool House (Sweatshirt) or Summer: Cool House (Fans)
$3
$2
Today in Energy 2-A
Today in Energy 2-B
Wake Up Early Walk to School
Sleep Late Get a Ride to School
$0
$1
Today in Energy 3-A
Today in Energy 3-B
Make and Eat Eggs for Breakfast
Make and Eat Cereal for Breakfast
$2
$1
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Today in Energy 4-A
Today in Energy 4-B
Make and Eat a Sandwich for Lunch
Make and Eat a Microwaveable Pizza for Lunch
$1
$2
Today in Energy 5-A
Today in Energy 5-B
Go to a Club Meeting or Sports Practice After School
Play Video Games with Friends After School
$1
$2
Today in Energy 6-A
Today in Energy 6-B
Walk Home from School
Get a Ride Home from School
$0
$1 ©2020 The NEED Project
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Today in Energy 7-A
Today in Energy 7-B
Make and Eat An Afternoon Snack
No Afternoon Snack
$1
$0
Today in Energy 8-A
Today in Energy 8-B
Study in Daylight Hang Out With Friends Later
Go For A Walk Bike-ride or Skate
$0
$1
Today in Energy 9-A
Today in Energy 9-B
Watch A Movie
Play Outside
$0
$1
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Today in Energy 10-A
Today in Energy 10-B
Make and Eat Dinner
Make and Eat Dinner
$2
$2
Today in Energy 11-A
Today in Energy 11-B
Watch TV
Read a Book
$1
$0
Today in Energy 12-A
Today in Energy 12-B
Hot Bath
Quick Shower
$2
$1 ©2020 The NEED Project
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Today in Energy 13-A
Today in Energy 13-B
Winter: Warm House (Go to Bed with Heat Turned Up and Blankets) or Summer: Cool House (Air Conditioning)
Winter: Warm House (Go to Bed with Heat Turned Down and Blankets) or Summer: Cool House (Ceiling Fan)
$3
$2
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Student Energy Audits &Background Students can successfully conduct a basic energy audit of the school building. This activity leads them through the process, including the kinds of observations they need to make as well as the questions they need to ask others. A student energy audit does not substitute for a professional audit done by a certified or trained professional, but often a student audit uncovers simple things that school occupants can address immediately to save energy in the school. Students can conduct audits in small groups concurrent to other activities in class. For example, you can have a group go audit their space while the other students are working on an in-class activity.
Objectives Students will be able to evaluate the energy use of a school building at a basic, grade-appropriate level. Students will be able to interpret data and make recommendations for energy savings based on that data.
Time 15 minutes for explanation and instruction; several blocks of 15-20 minutes for students to conduct audits
Materials STUDENT AUDIT TOOLS Hygrometer Digital thermometer Light meter Kill A Watt® meter
Student Energy Audit Recording Form Recommended Light Levels master, page 29 Light Meter master, page 30 Digital Thermometer master, page 31
Hygrometer master, page 32 Kill A Watt® Meter master, page 33 Student Guide, pages 24-25
2Preparation Discuss with building administrators and your colleagues the area(s) which students will be able to audit. In general, students working in groups of 2 or 3 can audit one or two classrooms plus common areas around those classrooms such as hallways, rest rooms, etc. within one class period. Prepare the masters for projection and practice using the audit tools. Preview the audit recording form and make a note beside any information that might not apply to your building. For example, some schools do not have thermostats in rooms, but temperature sensors tied to a central building automated system. Your building operator or administrator will be able to get that information for you.
Procedure 1. Explain to students that you will be placing them in work groups and assigning them a specific work area. They will be taking data in this area and making recommendations about it. 2. Project the Recommended Light Levels master and explain the information on it. 3. Project the Light Meter, Digital Thermometer, Hygrometer, and Kill A Watt® Meter masters, explaining their functions and operation. 4. Walk students through data collection by having them collect data in your classroom. Remind students that some devices, such as computers and copy machines, should not be unplugged in the middle of the school day, and that they may need to come back to school in the early morning or stay later in the afternoon to measure those devices. 5. As a class, determine how windows will be counted. They can be counted as one complete unit inserted in an opening in the wall, or each individual piece of glass, or some other way. The important thing is that everyone counts windows in the same way. 6. Allow students sufficient time to collect data in all of their work areas. 7. After data collection, bring the students together to evaluate the data as a class. 8. Guide the students in their discussion, taking care to not tell them explicitly what their data show. Instead, allow students to brainstorm energy-saving ideas, and then guide them through an eliminating process to determine the best steps to recommend. 9. If you wish, allow students time to write a report of their findings and set up a time for them to present it to the principal or superintendent of schools.
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Student Energy Audit Recording Form Date: ___________________
Time: ______________________
Outdoor Temperature: ______________
Outdoor Relative Humidity: _______ Weather: _______________________________________ Is the heating system in use?
yes
no
Is the cooling system in use?
yes
no
Optional: Temperature of air exiting vent: __________________________________________________ Work Area Description: _________________________________________________________________ Who is in the room? _______________________________________________________________ Can you feel any air currents in the room? If so, describe where: _____________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Are there any vents that can be opened to the outdoors?
yes
Temperature of vent ______________
If yes, are they currently open?
yes
Number of Outside Windows: __________ Open
no
no
__________ Closed
Results of Tissue Paper Test: __________________________________________________________________________________________ Indoor Temperature of Room: __________
Thermostat setting: ________
Relative Humidity: _________ Landscaping and surfaces outside of room ______________________________________________________________________________ Turn on the water, and start timing until hot water is delivered. Hot Water Temperature: ___________
Length of Time for Hot Water: ___________
Are there any dripping faucets? _____________________ Lighting Types Present: _______________ Light Meter Reading: ______________ Can the lights be dimmed?
yes
no
Can some lights be turned on, and some left off?
yes
no
Were the lights on when you entered the room?
yes
no
Were the blinds closed when you entered the room? All
Some
Are doors leading outside tightly closed?
yes
no
N/A
Are doors leading inside tightly closed?
yes
no
©2020 The NEED Project
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None
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N/A
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Fill in the table below for every electrical device (plug-in) in the room:
Device
Plugged In
Running
Stand-by
In Use
Watts Used if Running
Watts of Phantom Load
Other notes and comments:
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©2020 The NEED Project
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MASTER
Recommended Light Levels Below is a list of recommended illumination levels for school locations in foot-candles. These illumination levels align with the recommendations from the Illumination Engineering Society of North America. AREA
FOOT-CANDLES
Classrooms (Reading and Writing)
50
Classrooms (Drafting)
75
Computer Labs (Keyboarding)
30
Computer Labs (Reading Print Materials)
50
Computer Labs (Monitors)
3
Labs-General
50
Labs-Demonstrations
100
Auditorium (Seated Activities)
10
Auditorium (Reading Activities)
50
Kitchens
50
Dining Areas
30
Hallways
20-30
Stairwells
15
Gymnasiums (Exercising and Recreation)
30
Gymnasiums (Basketball Games)
75
Locker Rooms
10
Libraries and Media Centers (Study Areas)
50
Libraries and Media Centers (Other Areas)
30
Shops (Rough Work)
30
Shops (Medium Work)
50
Shops (Fine Work)
75
Offices (Reading Tasks)
50
Offices (Non-Reading Tasks)
30
Teacher Workrooms
30
Conference Rooms
30
Washrooms (Grooming Areas)
30
Washrooms (Lavatories)
15
Maintenance Rooms
30
Building Exteriors and Parking Lots
1-5
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MASTER
The Light Meter Operating Instructions 1. Insert the battery into the battery compartment in the back of the meter. 2. Slide the ON/OFF Switch to the ON position.
LCD Display
3. Slide the Range Switch to the B Position. 4. On the back of the meter, pull out the meter’s tilt stand and place the meter on a flat surface in the area you plan to measure. ON/OFF Switch
5. Hold the Light Sensor so that the white lens faces the light source to be measured or place the Light Sensor on a flat surface facing the direction of the light source.
Range Switch
6. Read the measurement on the LCD Display. 7. If the reading is less than 200 fc, slide the Range Switch to the A position and measure again.
Light Sensor
Light Output or Luminous Flux A lumen (lm) is a measure of the light output (or luminous flux) of a light source (bulb or tube). Light sources are labeled with output ratings in lumens. A T12 40-watt fluorescent tube light, for example, may have a rating of 3050 lumens.
Light Level or Illuminance A foot-candle (fc) is a measure of the quantity of light (illuminance) that actually reaches the work plane on which the light meter is placed. Foot-candles are work plane lumens per square foot. The light meter can measure the quantity of light from 0 to 1000 fc.
Brightness or Luminance Another measure of light is its brightness or luminance. Brightness is a measure of the light that is reflected from a surface in a particular direction. Brightness is measured in footlamberts (fL).
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Digital Thermometer A digital thermometer measures the temperature of a substance and displays the temperature reading on its face. It has a battery for power. Sometimes they are waterproof for measuring the temperature of a liquid. This digital thermometer can measure the temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius. It shows the temperature range of the thermometer. It can read temperatures from -40° to 392°F and -40° to 200°C. It has three buttons. The button on the bottom left is the ON/OFF switch. If the thermometer is not used for a few minutes, it turns itself off. The C/F button on the bottom right switches from the Celsius scale to the Fahrenheit scale. The face of the thermometer will show a C or an F to indicate which scale is being used. The mode button on the top holds the temperature reading when it is pushed. If you need the exact temperature of a liquid, you push the hold button while the thermometer is in the liquid, then remove the thermometer to read it. This button will also allow you to view the maximum and minimum temperatures measured when pushed two or three times. The metal stem of the thermometer can measure the temperature of the air or the temperature of a liquid. The stem should be placed about halfway into a liquid to measure the temperature.
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MASTER
Hygrometer
HUMIDITY/TEMPERATURE PEN Directions
Scientists measure the amount of water vapor in the air in terms of relative humidity—the amount of water vapor in the air relative to (compared to) the maximum amount it can hold at that temperature. Relative humidity changes as air temperature changes. The warmer the air is, the more water vapor it can hold. Air acts like a sponge and absorbs water through the process of evaporation. Warm air is less dense and the molecules are further apart, allowing more moisture between them. Cooler air causes the air molecules to draw closer together, limiting the amount of water the air can hold. It is important to control humidity in occupied spaces. Humidity levels that are too high can contribute to the growth and spread of unhealthy biological pollutants. This can lead to a variety of health effects, from common allergic reactions to asthma attacks and other health problems. Humidity levels that are too low can contribute to irritated mucous membranes, dry eyes, and sinus discomfort. This digital humidity/temperature pen measures relative humidity and temperature and displays the readings on its face. It has a battery for power. It can display the temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius. The reading shown on the right is 68.5°F. Devices that measure humidity are also called hygrometers. The hygrometer displays relative humidity in terms of percentage. The hygrometer shown reads 35%. This means that the air contains 35 percent of the water vapor it can hold at the given air temperature. When the air contains a lot of water vapor, the weather is described as humid. If the air cannot carry any more water vapor, the humidity is 100 percent. At this point, the water vapor condenses into liquid water. Maintaining relative humidity between 40 and 60 percent helps control mold. Maintaining relative humidity levels within recommended ranges is a way of ensuring that a building’s occupants are both comfortable and healthy. High humidity is uncomfortable for many people. It is difficult for the body to cool down in high humidity because sweat cannot evaporate into the air.
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ON/OFF KEY Press the ON/OFF key to turn the power on or off. °F/°C Press the °F/°C key to select the temperature unit you want to use, Fahrenheit or Celsius. MAX/MIN Press the MAX/MIN key once to display the stored maximum readings for temperature and humidity. An up arrow will appear on the left side of the display to indicate the unit is in the maximum recording mode. Press the MAX/MIN key a second time to display the stored minimum readings for temperature and humidity. A down arrow will appear on the left side of the display to indicate the unit is in the minimum recording mode. Press the MAX/MIN key a third time to return to normal operation. CLEAR If an up or down arrow is displayed, press the CLEAR key until - - - appears on the display. The memory is cleared. New maximum or minimum values will be recorded within 3 seconds.
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MASTER
Kill A Watt® Meter The Kill A Watt® meter allows users to measure and monitor the power consumption of any standard electrical device. You can obtain instantaneous readings of voltage (volts), current (amps), line frequency (Hz), and electric power being used (watts). You can also obtain the actual amount of power consumed in kilowatthours (kWh) by any electrical device over a period of time from one minute to 9,999 hours. A kilowatt is 1,000 watts.
Operating Instructions 1. Plug the Kill A Watt® meter into any standard grounded outlet or extension cord. 2. Plug the electrical device or appliance to be tested into the AC Power Outlet Receptacle of the Kill A Watt® meter. 3. The LCD displays all meter readings. The unit will begin to accumulate data and powered duration time as soon as the power is applied. 4. Press the Volt button to display the voltage (volts) reading. 5. Press the Amp button to display the current (amps) reading. 6. The Watt and VA button is a toggle function key. Press the button once to display the Watt reading; press the button again to display the VA (volts x amps) reading. The Watt reading, not the VA reading, is the value used to calculate kWh consumption. 7. The Hz and PF button is a toggle function key. Press the button once to display the Frequency (Hz) reading; press the button again to display the Power Factor (PF) reading. 8. The KWH and Hour button is a toggle function key. Press the button once to display the cumulative energy consumption. Press the button again to display the cumulative time elapsed since power was applied.
What is Power Factor? The formula Volts x Amps = Watts is used to find the energy consumption of an electrical device. Many AC devices, however, such as motors and magnetic ballasts, do not use all of the power provided to them. The Power Factor (PF) has a value equal to or less than one, and is used to account for this phenomenon. To determine the actual power consumed by an AC device, the following formula is used:
Volts x Amps x PF = Watts Consumed
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Can I Really Fry an Egg on the Sidewalk? &Background As students start to understand how efficiency, conservation, and the systems of a building all work together to contribute toward a good energy management plan, they need to begin incorporating the effect that outdoor temperatures and weather conditions can have on their energy management efforts. Students know to put on a coat on a cold day or wear lightweight clothing on a hot day. This activity will help them see how different surfaces heat differently and start to understand how a building’s construction materials and landscaping can contribute to the temperature indoors.
Objectives Students will be able to properly operate an infrared (IR) thermometer. Students will be able to predict which outdoor surfaces are hotter on a sunny day.
Time 1 class period
Materials Infrared thermometer Access to outdoors on a sunny day Infrared (IR) Thermometer master, page 35 Student Guide, page 26
2Preparation Secure permission to take your class outdoors, if needed. Spend some time scouting the areas around your school building for different surfaces for students to test. A variety of surfaces, in sun and in shade, is recommended. Good surfaces to find are a light-colored roof, concrete (sidewalk), asphalt (streets and parking lots), grass, mulch, metal roofs, shingled roofs, etc. Prepare a digital copy of the master to project.
Procedure 1. Project the Infrared Thermometer master, explaining and demonstrating how it is used. Discuss safety of lasers and tools with lasers, and demonstrate the appropriate use of the laser. Explain that when the button is pressed, the device measures the surface temperature of any object at which it is directed. Explain that accuracy improves if you are closer to an object when using lasers for temperature measurement. 2. Ask students to predict the temperature of three or four items around the room, and demonstrate the use of the IR thermometer while checking their predictions. 3. Take the class outside. As a class, use the IR thermometer to complete Can I Really Fry an Egg on the Sidewalk?. Have students record and suggest items in the predicted ranges. Find the actual temperatures and try to find one device or surface that fits in each category in the data table. Have students complete the conclusion as individuals or in small groups. 4. Discuss how radiant transfer of thermal energy can be a major factor in the comfort of a room. A cold winter day will make the walls feel colder, thus making the room feel colder than the stated temperature. Conversely, a hot summer day could make a classroom’s walls feel warmer. And, if in an urban area, surrounded by dark surfaces, this effect could be increased. Ask students to relate their findings to real life examples around their own homes.
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MASTER
Infrared (IR) Thermometer A thermometer measures the temperature of objects. An infrared thermometer can do so remotely by measuring the amount of infrared radiation leaving an object. A red-colored laser directs the user to the object being measured. This is a safe way to measure the temperature of objects that are very high off the floor or very hot.
Operating Instructions 1. Aim the IR thermometer at the object you wish to measure. 2. Squeeze the button on the handle with your finger, holding it down briefly. 3. The thermometer will measure the temperature of the object at which you aim. The further away you are from the object, the less likely it is you are measuring an exact point, but the area near the point. Try and stand as close as possible. 4. To be certain you are measuring what you think you are measuring, depress the laser button and squeeze the trigger button on the handle again. The laser will show you the object you are measuring. 5. To change from °C to °F or °F to °C, press the °C/°F button. 6. In a dark room, press the backlight button to illuminate the LCD display. 7. The thermometer will turn itself off when left alone.
Backlight Button
ºC/ºF Button
Laser Selector Button
Back View
Squeeze this button to take the temperature.
Front View
Left Side
Right Side
Lasers and Eyeballs: What’s the Big Deal? You’ve been told over and over again, don’t focus a laser directly in someone’s eyes. But why is this an issue? The reason is because laser light is unlike most light with which you are familiar. The word laser is an acronym, meaning Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. In a nutshell, lasers are produced when specific substances are energized, and the laser light is the result. Lasers are intense for two reasons. First, the light from a laser is only one wavelength, or color, of light. Most light sources you see, even colored bulbs, are a range of wavelengths. Lasers emit only one specific wavelength. Second, the light from a laser is focused and aligned and can be directed across great distances, even to the moon! Because of the intensity of the light from a laser, it can at best cause “flash blindness” and temporarily blind a person, and at worst can cause permanent damage to the retina, the part of the eye that detects light and transmits the light information to the nerves in the eye.
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Plug Loads &Background Aside from refrigeration, plug loads (electrical devices) account for about 27 percent of a home’s electricity use and almost 22 percent of the electricity used in schools. Plug loads include any devices that plug into an electrical outlet, such as refrigerators, microwaves, computers, printers, gaming systems, TVs, small appliances, clocks, etc. This activity helps students learn how much energy and money those devices consume, and helps them begin to think about strategies for reducing their electricity consumption.
Objectives Students will be able to use a spreadsheet and input formulas into it. Students will be able to measure an electrical device’s electricity use.
Time 1-2 class periods, depending on student experience and skill level
Materials Kill A Watt® meter Stopwatch or timer Computer spreadsheet program Student Guide, page 27
2Preparation Gather a variety of devices used in school, or if you’d rather focus on home energy use, at home. Review the use of the Kill A Watt® meter. If necessary, move things around to make electrical outlets more accessible to students.
Procedure 1. Review the use of a Kill A Watt® meter with students, projecting the master as needed. 2. Explain that students will be gathering data on devices by measuring the power they draw when in use and using that data to calculate their electrical energy consumption and the cost of that energy. 3. Show students the safe way to unplug and plug in devices with the meter. 4. Allow students enough time to gather data on enough devices around the room. If there are devices that cannot be unplugged, have them use the data on the Underwriter Laboratories nameplate (typically found on the back or side of an appliance) and the calculation, power = voltage x current. The voltage in U.S. outlets is 120 V. 5. Devices that have a short run time, like an electric pencil sharpener, should be timed to get the amount of time they are used. Students should make their best guess about the total amount of time they run in a day. 6. If students are setting up their own spreadsheets, tell them what you want them to include, and give them time to set the spreadsheet up and input the formulas. If they are focusing on home energy use, tell them to use the data they have collected with devices at school for power consumption, but the number of each and time run should be for their own homes. 7. If students are using a prepared spreadsheet, show them where the file has been saved so they can access it, and be prepared to coach them in how to navigate around the spreadsheet. 8. Discuss the results with students and brainstorm ways to save energy with plug loads.
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Plug Loads Spreadsheet A sample spreadsheet, with all of the calculations for several examples, is available for download at shop.NEED.org/products/plug-loads. You may choose to distribute it to students for them to use, or you may want it for yourself for reference. To differentiate this lesson, you can make a list of your expectations on one tab of a spreadsheet file, then have varying levels of the spreadsheet built for your students according to their ability level. Capable students could be given a blank tab, moderately capable students can be given the first few rows of a spreadsheet, and the least capable students could be given the sample spreadsheet to use to input their data.
Plug Load Example
Existing
Average Electricity Cost = 1 1
Equipment
$ 2
0.11 per kWh 3
4
Average CO₂ Emitted per kWh = 5
Quantity Typical Use, Wattage In Use2 Hours/Day
Cycle 3 Time
6
7
Monthly Months/ 5 6 kWh Year
1.6 lbs
8
9
10
11
Yearly kWh
Annual Cost Each
Total Annual Cost
Annual CO2 Emissions (lbs)
Coffee Maker
25
3
1,200
33%
594
9
5,346
$23.52
$588
8,554
Computer&Monitor
90
7
115
100%
1,449
9
13,041
$15.94
$1,435
20,866
Laptop/Tablet4 Fan Desk Lamp Microwave Digital Projector Small Fridge (2.5-6.4 cu.ft.) Television DVD player Space Heater Window AC (8,000 Btu/hr) Window AC (12,000 Btu/hr) Cold Drink Vending Machine Other TOTAL
150
8
44
100%
1,056
9
9,504
$6.97
$1,045
15,206
10 30 15 25
3 5 0.5 5
115 60 1,200 250
100% 100% 100% 100%
69 180 180 625
9 9 9 9
621 1,620 1,620 5,625
$6.83 $5.94 $11.88 $24.75
$68 $178 $178 $619
994 2,592 2,592 9,000
20
24
125
33%
602
9
5,417
$29.80
$596
8,668
25 25 15
1 1 7
80 10 1,500
100% 100% 20%
40 5 630
9 9 4
360 45 2,520
$1.58 $0.20 $18.48
$40 $5 $277
576 72 4,032
3
8
900
50%
216
4
864
$31.68
$95
1,382
3
8
1,200
50%
288
4
1,152
$42.24
$127
1,843
6
24
800
50%
1,751
12
21,012
$385.23
$2,311
33,620
$7,562
109,996
7,685
68,748
Notes: 1. If necessary, change input in yellow for equipment you are analyzing. You can change other numbers as needed. 2. Quantities shown are for a typical, 25-classroom, 100,000 sq.ft., K-12 school. 3. Amount of time the appliance actually runs (e.g., a coffee maker burner is only on ~33% of the time) Columns 4. Laptop wattage 1-5 contain areas for students to input description, number, cycle time, and wattage denotes when tablet or notebook is on and charging. A fully charged battery will yield less wattage.
Sample Spreadsheet Description
of the devices. The wattage can be taken
from the UL label on the device if the Kill A Watt® meter cannot be used. 5.The number of days per month an item is used has been adjusted where applicable. For example, the digital projector may only be used on weekdays, while a refrigerator must remain on at all times, everyday.
The non-shaded columns contain formulas that will make those calculations automatically as students add numbers to the other columns. 6. Assumes most items are unplugged and unused for any breaks (summer, etc.).
If students need more space, select a row, right click, and choose “insert.” Repeat for the number of rows needed. The formatting and formulas will copy down from the previous row. If you decide to have students calculate carbon dioxide emissions, add another column. The 2018 average emissions is 1.6 pounds of CO2 per kilowatt-hour used.
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Lesson 3 – Climate Change and Its Impacts &Background This lesson discusses the basics about climate change. The greenhouse effect, greenhouse gases and their origins, and how anthropogenic sources are accelerating the greenhouse effect are all discussed. The health and regional impacts of climate change are introduced, too, and students are challenged to consider how different groups of people in different areas might be experiencing greater climate change effects.
Objectives Students will be able to identify the basic causes of climate change. Students will be able to explain how climate change indicators are emerging. Students will be able to identify how climate change impacts the health of people. Students will be able to project how climate change will impact various groups of people and geographic regions.
Time 6-7 class periods
Materials 600 mL Beakers 250 mL Erlenmeyer flask Rubber stoppers with hole Vinyl tubing, 3/16” diameter Clip lights Rulers Digital thermometers Masking tape Alka-Seltzer® tablets Safety glasses Water (room temperature) 1000-1100 Lumen bulb, equivalent to 75 watt incandescent
Ball of yarn or string Scissors Hole punch Cardstock Corrugated cardboard box Transparency film Clear packaging tape Baking sheet or other tray Assorted materials to simulate materials, such as: Asphalt shingles – simulated asphalt Ceramic tiles – simulated concrete Vinyl folders – simulated vinyl siding
Bicycle tire tube – simulated rubber roofing Moss – simulated green roof Light fixture with heat light bulb Soil, sand, and sod as desired Digital thermometer Infrared (IR) thermometer Box cutter or utility knife Student Guide pages 13-16; 28-41 Carbon Cycle master Greenhouse Gases master
2Preparation Gather materials needed for the activities. Prepare digital copies of masters for projection.
Procedure 1. Introduce climate and differentiate it from weather. Explain that climate is the accumulated data set over large amounts of time, while weather measures what is happening in any given short time period, such as a day, a week, or several weeks. 2. Project the Carbon Cycle master. Show how carbon circulates through different reservoirs. 3. Project the Greenhouse Gases master. Explain that they all are able to absorb thermal energy in their bonds and release it slowly over time, and that the greenhouse effect is what keeps our planet warm at night. Point out the different man-made sources of greenhouse gases. 4. Introduce Greenhouse in a Beaker. Explain the activity and allow students enough time to complete it. 5. Introduce Carbon in My Life. Lead students through all of the worksheets and help them determine the size of their carbon footprints. Discuss with the class the actions they listed on the action planner in the Student Guide. 6. Transition to the Mini Heat Island activity. Allow students enough time to construct their buildings and test them. When they have finished, ask students what they learned. What kinds of surfaces get hotter, faster? Which stay hotter, longer? What do these have in common? 7. Have students work on their concurrent project maps, by focusing on topography, outdoor air quality, and average family income. Add any other data sets you consider relevant to the unit and provide web sources for data.
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MASTER
The Carbon Cycle
The Carbon Cycle ATMOSPHERE PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND RESPIRATION OCEAN-ATMOSPHERE EXCHANGE
FOSSIL FUEL COMBUSTION
OCEAN CIRCULATION
SURFACE OCEAN BIOSPHERE
LIT
HO
SP
RIVER RUNOFF LAND USE CHANGES
HE
RE PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND RESPIRATION
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SINKING PARTICLES
E
R E H
EPN E DEA OC
P S O R D HY
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MASTER
Greenhouse Gases WATER
U.S. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS, 2018
MANMADE EMISSIONS
METHANE
SOURCES
OTHER RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL 16.32% 0.78%
WASTE 1.72%
WASTE MANAGEMENT OTHER 29.79% 0.02%
INDUSTRIAL 5.85%
POWER TRANSMISSION METALS PRODUCTION 2.24% 1.53% HCFC-22 PRODUCTION 1.80%
ENERGY USE 10.26%
AGRICULTURAL 30.15%
TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRIAL 22.08% 30.99%
AGRICULTURAL 82.14%
ENERGY 40.05%
ELECTRICITY 29.83%
CARBON DIOXIDE
CARBON DIOXIDE
82.42%
METHANE
8.90% NITROUS OXIDE
6.11%
F-GASES
2.57%
OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCES SEMICONDUCTORS 91.80% 2.62% Data: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency *F-gases include HCFCs, PFCs, and SF6, which are used in many different industrial applications, including refrigerants, propellants, and tracer chemicals.
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Greenhouse in a Beaker &Background In this activity, students will model the conditions that occur in a greenhouse, or in our atmosphere during the greenhouse effect.
Objective Students will understand that carbon dioxide speeds up the transfer of thermal energy.
Time 1 class period
Materials FOR EACH GROUP 2 600 mL Beakers 1 250 mL Erlenmeyer flask 1 Rubber stopper with hole 1 Vinyl tubing, 3/16” diameter 1 Clip light 1 Ruler 2 Digital thermometers 1 Small piece of masking tape 4 Alka-Seltzer® tablets Safety glasses Water (room temperature) 1000-1100 Lumen bulb, equivalent to 75 watt incandescent Student Guide, pages 28-29
2Preparation Preview the activity. Make copies as needed. Gather materials for the activity and be sure enough outlet space for lamps is available. Cut tubing lengths as appropriate for your set-up and materials. Usually, 1 ft to 18” lengths will be adequate, but it can vary based on the type of tubing used. Divide students into groups.
Procedure 1. Introduce the investigation to students by asking, “If we add carbon dioxide to the air, what effect will this added CO2 have on the air temperature?” 2. Explain that students will be creating two models of our atmosphere. The beakers will represent our atmosphere and the lamp will represent the sun. One beaker will contain a “normal” atmosphere. Carbon dioxide (CO2) will be added to the second beaker, creating a CO2 rich atmosphere. The CO2 will be produced through a chemical reaction that occurs when Alka-Seltzer® is added to water. The active ingredients in Alka-Seltzer® are aspirin, citric acid, and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). When the tablet is placed in water, an acid-base reaction involving sodium bicarbonate and the citric acid takes place yielding sodium citrate, water, and carbon dioxide. 3NaHCO3 + C6H8O7 Na3C6H5O7 + 3H2O + 3CO2(g) 3. Divide students into small groups. 4. Circulate around the room assisting groups as needed.
Extension Ask students what variables they can change in the investigation. Let students design new investigations, and in their conclusions, have them correlate their changes to actual conditions that may change in Earth’s climate system.
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Carbon in My Life &Background In this activity, students begin to identify all of the items and tasks in their day that can contribute to carbon emissions. Students survey their surroundings and develop an action plan for reducing carbon in their lives.
Objectives Students will identify and analyze the energy use of commonplace items. Students will be able to explain that CO2 emissions occur throughout a product’s life cycle.
Time 2-3 class periods
Materials Student Guide pages, 30-38
2Preparation Preview the lesson and read the informational text so you are prepared to assist students when needed.
Procedure 1. Present an overview of the activity and project expectations. Break into groups of three or four students. 2. Have students actively read the Carbon in My Life Informational Text. Select the best strategy for your students: Read individually Read aloud Jigsaw (teacher may work with emerging readers or pair students together) 3. Check for understanding of the informational text and explain that carbon contributors can include products, food items, behaviors, water and energy uses, transportation needs, or anything that can be associated with the need to use some form of energy. 4. Explain to students that the energy we use each day results directly in an increase in carbon in the atmosphere. Electric power is produced using fossil fuels, and we operate motor vehicles or heat our homes and water with fossil fuels, and create products with fossil fuels. 5. Review the Aluminum Can Life Cycle Comparison worksheet. 6. Have teams complete the Carbon In My Life Survey. 7. Brainstorm additional items on the Carbon In My Life Study Items organizer. 8. All teams will select an item from each category (food, energy, water, etc.) to study and use the Carbon In My Life Item Analysis Organizer and Carbon In My Life Questionnaire to identify Action Plan items. 9. Teams will select one item for each team member and develop an action plan for lowering their carbon footprint using the steps on the Carbon In My Life Action Planner. 10. If time allows, select one of the recommended extensions (on the next page) to reinforce the lesson and to give students opportunities to expand on their Action Plans.
Extensions Use this activity at home to study items and to initiate action plans to reduce energy use and CO2 impacts. Ask students to document the project from beginning to end and prepare a presentation to the class, to the community, or to other homeowners. Publish action plans in a local newspaper article, an Internet article, or contact local radio or television media to conduct an interview. Develop service-learning projects that help senior citizens or low-income citizens find ways to save money by using energy saving strategies that you’ve developed in this activity. Work with your local school board or city council to find ways that your strategies can be used at other schools, city parks, city owned businesses, etc. Research schools and buildings in other countries to see how needs are met differently and document the differences in energy use and CO2 impacts. Research how schools and buildings in the year 1900 met the same needs you meet today and document the differences in energy use and CO2 impacts.
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Climate Web &Background This activity helps students to visualize climate as a system with many items feeding into it and relying on its function.
Objectives Students will be able to identify components in the climate system and describe their functions. Students will be able to describe the connections between each component in the climate system.
Time 1 class period
Materials Ball of yarn or string Scissors Hole punch Cardstock Climate Web Hang Tags, pages 44-48 Climate Systems Worksheet, Student Guide page 39
2Preparation Copy the climate hang tags onto cardstock and laminate for reuse. Cut apart the hang tags and use a single hole punch to make two holes in the top corner of each. Lace one length of yarn or string through each hang tag and tie off creating a necklace.
Procedure 1. Hand out the hang tag necklaces to each student or pair of students. Ask students to read the backs of their cards aloud so other students in the group know the roles in the game. Give students a chance to ask any questions they have about what is written on their cards. 2. Direct students to put on their hang tags and stand in a circle. 3. Hand the ball of yarn to one student or pair. Explain that they should look around the circle and identify another student representing a component of the system that is related to his or her role. Some of these relationships are spelled out on the descriptions on the backs of the hang tags. 4. Holding on to the end of the yarn, the first student passes the ball of yarn to that student, explaining how that part of the system relates to him or her. That student then repeats the process, holding onto the yarn and passing the ball on. 5. Continue passing the yarn around until everyone has their hands on the yarn. While connections can be made between each component, students may have trouble seeing all of them. Because of this, it is acceptable to pass to a student a second time before the yarn has made it all the way around the circle. In the end, the students will have created a web made of yarn connecting all of them. 6. Now choose a student to give a tug on the string. Explain that this tug represents an influence (positive or negative) being exerted by that part of the system. For instance, the person wearing the ‘Coal’ tag might give a tug, and you would say, “Coal is mined and processed for electrical energy. This process emits pollutants into the air and coal is a nonrenewable resource.” Or “Solar Energy” might give a tug and you would say, “Increasing the use of solar PV reduces our CO2 emissions from generating electricity.” 7. Ask students to raise their hands if they feel a pull when the string is tugged. Ask students why their component might be influenced by the original component that tugged on the string. 8. Discuss the connections and why some students might feel stronger pulls than others. 9. Repeat this several times with different students tugging. For each tug, describe how that component is influencing the system. 10. Direct students to the student guide worksheet. Ask students to describe how the system is dependent on all of the components. Students should be able to explain that a change in one part of the system can affect all other parts of the system.
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MASTER
Climate Web Hang Tags Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Atmosphere
Transportation
Trees
44
In using energy wisely we decrease CO2 emissions from power plants and vehicles.
Our atmosphere keeps us alive and warm. Gases in the atmosphere control amounts of ultraviolet radiation reaching the planet and determine the Earth’s temperature, keeping us warm. Without gases in the atmosphere, it would be so cold, almost nothing could survive. However, as CO2 levels in the atmosphere rise, greater differences in air temperature create more unstable weather patterns. Transportation is very important to us. We use it to travel and ship products. We must have transportation to get people and products to places throughout the world, but different modes of transportation need fuel to work and emit CO2 and other emissions into our atmosphere.
Humans could not survive without trees and other plants. Trees take in CO2 and through the process of photosynthesis produce oxygen for us to breathe, as well as providing shade, wood products, and beauty. Trees are a renewable resource.
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Animals exhale CO2 through natural respiration. We must have animals for food and equilibrium in ecosystems. Animals are used extensively for food and other products.
Animals
We need and use a lot of energy daily. Our homes, communities, and modes of transportation all use energy in various ways. We use more energy today than ever before. Much of our energy use comes from fossil fuels. Energy production from fossil fuels emits CO2 and other emissions into the atmosphere.
People
Solar energy is radiant energy emitted by the sun. Through the use of solar panels, we can harness this energy to power our homes and heat water. Solar energy is a renewable resource that does not produce CO2 emissions.
Solar Energy
Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage
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New technology allows us to store CO2 emissions from power plants underground to be used later. This may be an effective way to limit the amount of CO2 we put into the atmosphere. We do not know yet how effective this strategy is at storing CO2 in the long term.
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Nuclear Plant
Mining
Soil
Crops
46
Uranium ore is mined then processed at nuclear power plants to produce electrical energy we need for homes and industry. Nuclear energy is a nonrenewable resource that produces no CO2 emissons. Using nuclear power is controversial because of potential risk of radiation, if it is not contained.
Through mining, we extract ore and minerals from the Earth. We extract coal and uranium in this way to use for electricity production. Machinery used in mining emits CO2 and other emissions. By removing vegetation, the ability of the land to remove CO2 from the atmosphere is decreased.
Soil is the top layer of the Earth’s surface, consisting of rock and mineral particles mixed with organic matter. We need healthy soil for growing food. Soil stores carbon, keeping it from the atmosphere. Developing and tilling and other activities that disturb the soil release this stored carbon into the atmosphere.
The crops we grow are essential to our survival. Growing crops also produces CO2 emissions through the use of farm equipment, pesticides, fertilizers, and tilling the soil. Crops also remove CO2 from the atmosphere as they grow.
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Petroleum
Refineries
Coal
Coal Plants
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Petroleum is a nonrenewable fossil fuel formed hundreds of millions of years ago. We use more petroleum than any other energy source. Some product benefits include transportation fuels, fertilizers, plastics, and medicines. Petroleum must be burned to release the energy, which emits CO2.
Refineries are industrial plants that refine petroleum into useable products. We refine crude oil for fuels such as gasoline, jet fuel, and fuel oils needed for transportation. Production, distribution, and consumption release CO2.
Coal is a nonrenewable fossil fuel created from the remains of plants that lived and died millions to hundreds of millions of years ago. We extract coal from the Earth to use as fuel for electricity, industry, and heating, as well as in making iron and steel. We burn coal to release energy. Burning coal releases CO2.
Coal plants clean, process, and burn coal to generate electricity. Burning coal releases CO2 into the atmosphere.
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Oceans
Natural Earth Events
Economy
48
Oceans are carbon reservoirs, which means they have the ability to absorb CO2. This process of absorption helps keep our planet cooler. However, adding CO2 to the ocean makes it more acidic, which impacts ocean ecosystems.
Geological evidence tells us that the Earth’s climate has changed a lot over time. Natural Earth events are factors that can contribute to climate change. Earth’s position relative to the sun, volcanic eruptions, forest fires, and ocean currents are factors that can affect climate.
A growing economy demands more energy and electricity, and can increase CO2 emissions if fossil fuels are used. Energy efficiency and conservation reduces CO2 emissions and energy bills for families, schools, and companies.
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Mini Heat Island &Background The heat island effect is the phenomenon often observed in urban areas where there is little vegetation and a great deal of concrete, stone, and asphalt. As the sun warms these surfaces during the day, they heat up and retain that thermal energy, releasing it slowly after sunset. This effect explains why urban areas typically experience higher temperatures than suburban or rural areas, given the same weather conditions. This activity models the heat island effect on a small scale.
Objectives Students will be able to identify which materials and surfaces contribute to the heat island effect. Students will be able to explain temperature differences between suburban and urban areas given identical weather conditions.
Time 2-3 class periods
Materials PER STUDENT GROUP Corrugated cardboard box Transparency film or clear packaging tape Masking or packaging tape Baking sheet or other tray Light fixture with heat light bulb Digital thermometer Infrared (IR) thermometer Soil, sand, and sod as desired
Scissors Box cutter or utility knife Ruler Temperature Map of Rhode Island master, page 50 Student Guide, pages 40-41
Assorted materials to simulate materials, such as: Asphalt shingles – simulated asphalt Ceramic tiles – simulated concrete Vinyl folders – simulated vinyl siding Bicycle tire tube – simulated rubber roofing Moss – simulated green roof
2Preparation Preview the activity and brainstorm materials you can use, that you or other teachers have on hand, to simulate building materials commonly found in urban areas. Students could also assist with this brainstorming and provide materials they might already have at home. Decide if you will assign specific construction materials for student groups to use on their buildings or if you will allow them to choose. If you assign them, make sure you assign a wide variety to facilitate student discussion. Gather materials for student use. Build and test a cardboard box house with no cladding, roofing, or surrounding surfaces. This will serve as a “control” for comparison. Prepare a digital copy of the master to project.
Procedure 1. 2. 3. 4.
5. 6. 7. 8.
Introduce the activity, providing a brief overview of the building requirements. Explain to students the materials you have provided and which surfaces or construction materials they are intended to simulate. Allow students time to construct their buildings. Emphasize that windows must be transparent and the door must open. As students place their buildings on their trays, remind them to center them and that the tray surrounding their building must be completely covered with some kind of material. Remind them to give some thought as to the placement of the building, where the door and windows are, and which surfaces are most likely to be found outside of those areas. Allow students enough time to test their buildings. If you have more than one light fixture available, more buildings can be tested or a longer testing period can be accomplished. When students have recorded their data and answered the conclusion questions, reconvene the class to discuss the results. Ask students to compare their findings to the Can I Really Fry An Egg? activity from the previous lesson. Project the Temperature Map of Rhode Island master. Explain that the orange areas indicate warmer areas, with the warmest being the darkest orange, and the blue areas are cooler. Dark blue areas are coolest. Ask students to interpret the map, identifying the surfaces most likely found in different areas. A digital copy of the map can be found at https://arcg.is/0S8HCC.
Extension Challenge students to construct city blocks from their buildings to simulate how buildings work together to contribute to the heat island effect.
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MASTER
Temperature Map of Rhode Island
50
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Lesson 4 – Climate, Energy, and Society: What Can I Do? &Background While students learn about the connections among energy use, climate change, health, and social justice, they will create maps illustrating what they are learning. Students will focus on a specific area, and as a result of their learning choose a health-related issue in their assigned neighborhood(s) and propose one or more solutions addressing it.
Objectives Students will be able to explain how energy use, climate change, health, and social justice are related. Students will be able to analyze geographical data. Students will be able to identify a problem, analyze it, and propose solutions. Students will be able to present a problem, its analysis, and propose solutions in the presentation.
Time
Materials
2-3 class periods beyond concurrent work within overall unit
Access to computer with internet Tape measure
2Preparation Decide the area(s) you will assign for students to investigate. You may choose your own local community and break it into sections, or may decide to choose a community with which your students are not familiar. It may be productive to incorporate a variety of communities or neighborhoods, including those of depressed socioeconomic status and/or higher populations of people of color. Have students work in groups of 3-5, and assign the areas according to the group size and their capabilities. Create or duplicate a map of the area(s) assigned for projection. Pre-select data sites that students will use for constructing their maps. Some suggested websites are listed on page 52. Decide the depth of energy infrastructure you will include in the assignment that students should pull from the EIA website.
Procedure 1. At the beginning of your climate and health unit, introduce this activity and provide students with a sketch, map, or other description of the area they will be studying. Explain to them that this is a project that will run concurrent to the unit and that they will have additional requirements assigned as the unit progresses. 2. Allow students enough time to create a digital map of their assigned area. They can use an online mapping application, overlay digital images, or any other method you wish for them to use. Demonstrate the state energy infrastructure maps on the U.S. EIA website (www.eia.gov) and show them how to select different items to display or remove. 3. As you progress through the unit, assign additional data sets students should add to their maps. Suggest ways they can accomplish this, by adding symbols, or different intensity of shading like darker or lighter red, for example. 4. Assign students a day to go into their assigned communities, where possible, using tools to check for the dimensions of streets, sidewalks, curb heights, and other physical characteristics that may add to or detract from the overall health of their community. 5. Have students use satellite images to find trees and other green spaces in their assigned communities and add them to their maps. 6. When the unit has concluded, and you have had students map as much information as you wish them to consider, have them identify one or two “target” areas where they can indentify potential issues related to the health of the residents of their assigned neighborhoods. 7. Provide time for students to brainstorm solutions to the issues they have identified. 8. Direct students to create a proposal that helps to solve or eliminate the health issue they have identified. Proposals may include posters, essays, video campaigns, multimedia presentations, or formal presentations to community officials.
Extensions Students may be very motivated to solve all the problems they encounter; tap into that youthful enthusiasm and allow them to pursue a solution to a complex issue as a class. Solutions that are energy-related lend themselves nicely to a student-driven Youth Awards Program project. Encourage students to complete the project. More information can be found at https://www.need.org/need-students/youth-awards/. © 2020
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Web Resources and Additional Information Rhode Island Resources Analyzing Heat Island Effect in Rhode Island - Rhode Island Department of Health, https://arcg.is/0S8HCC Rhode Island Energy Information, Reports, Data, & Tips - Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, http://www.energy.ri.gov/ Rhode Island Energy 101 - http://www.energy.ri.gov/energy-101/index.php State Energy Plan - http://www.energy.ri.gov/policies-programs/ri-energy-laws/state-energy-plan.php 100% by 2030 Report - http://www.energy.ri.gov/100percent/ Annual Report - http://www.energy.ri.gov/documents/Annual%20Reports/2019%20OER%20Annual%20Report.pdf Rhode Island Energy Efficiency Information, Tips, and Reports, - Energy Efficiency and Resource Management Council, https://rieermc.ri.gov/ Annual Report - https://rieermc.ri.gov/2020-eermc-annual-report/ Heat Watch Rhode Island – CAPA Strategies, https://osf.io/jr9b7/?view_only=1b5c811777f546bdb808088bfa24735b Climate & Health Risks in Rhode Island - Rhode Island Department of Health, https://health.ri.gov/healthrisks/climatechange/ Rhode Island Climate Change Fact Sheet – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-09/documents/climate-change-ri.pdf Rhode Island Energy System Data & Interactive Maps – National Grid, https://ngrid.apps.esri.com/NGSysDataPortal/RI/index.html
General Information Maps of energy infrastructure – U.S. Energy Information Agency, https://www.eia.gov/beta/states/overview Population data – U.S. Census Bureau, www.census.gov Residential energy consumption data – U.S. Energy Information Administration, https://www.eia.gov/consumption/residential/ Commercial energy consumption data – U.S. Energy Information Administration, https://www.eia.gov/consumption/commercial/ Income data – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - www.bls.gov Outdoor air quality information – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency https://www.epa.gov/outdoor-air-quality-data/air-data-basic-information Data on disease and race – U.S. Centers for Disease Control, www.cdc.gov Empowering Energy Justice, a scientific paper published by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5036759/ Community Health Infographic, U.S. Centers for Disease Control, https://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/pubs/CDC-CommunityInfographic-508.pdf Climate Change Information & Data – NASA, www.climate.nasa.gov Weather data – NOAA, www.noaa.gov
Multimedia Resources (Video, Podcasts, etc.) Youth Climate Stories Video Map – Our Climate Our Future, https://ourclimateourfuture.org/map/ U.S. Senator (Rhode Island), Sheldon Whitehouse – Climate Speeches from the Senate Floor, https://www.whitehouse.senate.gov/issues/climate-change Can’t Take the Heat Podcast, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cant-take-the-heat/id1521180615 Climate and Health information– U.S. Centers for Disease Control, https://www.cdc.gov/climateandhealth/videos.html Heat Tracker– U.S. Centers for Disease Control, https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/Applications/heatTracker/ Exploring Race & Culture Cycle – Stanford, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQV7lo4zYUs&t=132s
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The © 2020 NEED Project The NEEDEnergy, ProjectClimate, Rhodeand Island YouClimate TeacherHealth Guide
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©2020 The NEED Project
Energy, Climate, and You Teacher Guide
www.NEED.org
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NEED’s Online Resources NEED’S SMUGMUG GALLERY
http://need-media.smugmug.com/ On NEED’s SmugMug page, you’ll find pictures of NEED students learning and teaching about energy. Would you like to submit images or videos to NEED’s gallery? E-mail info@NEED.org for more information. Also use SmugMug to find these visual resources:
Videos Need a refresher on how to use Science of Energy with your students? Watch the Science of Energy videos. Also check out our Energy Chants videos! Find videos produced by NEED students teaching their peers and community members about energy.
Online Graphics Library Would you like to use NEED’s graphics in your own classroom presentations, or allow students to use them in their presentations? Download graphics for easy use in your classroom.
AWESOME EXTRAS Looking for more resources? Our Awesome Extras page contains PowerPoints, animations, and other great resources to compliment what you are teaching in your classroom! This page is available under the Educators tab at www.NEED.org.
Evaluations and Assessment Building an assessment? Searching for standards? Check out our Evaluations page for a question bank, NEED’s Energy Polls, sample rubrics, links to standards alignment, and more at www.NEED.org/educators/evaluations-assessment/.
SOCIAL MEDIA Stay up-to-date with NEED. “Like” us on Facebook! Search for The NEED Project, and check out all we’ve got going on! Follow us on Twitter. We share the latest energy news from around the country, @NEED_Project. Follow us on Instagram and check out the photos taken at NEED events, instagram.com/theneedproject. Follow us on Pinterest and pin ideas to use in your classroom, Pinterest.com/NeedProject. Subscribe to our YouTube channel! www.youtube.com/user/NEEDproject
NEED Energy Booklist Looking for cross-curricular connections, or extra background reading for your students? NEED’s booklist provides an extensive list of fiction and nonfiction titles for all grade levels to support energy units in the science, social studies, or language arts setting. Check it out at www.NEED.org/booklist/.
U.S. Energy Geography Maps are a great way for students to visualize the energy picture in the United States. This set of maps will support your energy discussion and multi-disciplinary energy activities. Go to www.need.org/resources/energy-in-society/ to see energy production, consumption, and reserves all over the country!
E-Publications The NEED Project offers e-publication versions of various guides for in-classroom use. Guides that are currently available as an e-publication can be found at www.issuu.com/theneedproject.
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©2020 The NEED Project
Energy, Climate, and You Teacher Guide
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Evaluation Form Energy, Climate, and You State: ___________
Grade Level: ___________
Number of Students: __________
1. Did you conduct the entire unit?
Yes
No
2. Were the instructions clear and easy to follow?
Yes
No
3. Did the activities meet your academic objectives?
Yes
No
4. Were the activities age appropriate?
Yes
No
5. Were the allotted times sufficient to conduct the activities?
Yes
No
6. Were the activities easy to use?
Yes
No
7. Was the preparation required acceptable for the activities?
Yes
No
8. Were the students interested and motivated?
Yes
No
9. Was the energy knowledge content age appropriate?
Yes
No
10. Would you teach this unit again? Please explain any ‘no’ statement below.
Yes
No
How would you rate the unit overall?
excellent
good
fair
poor
How would your students rate the unit overall?
excellent
good
fair
poor
What would make the unit more useful to you?
Other Comments:
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