Energy Walkabout

National Energy Foundation, US Department of Energy

In this activity learners work in pairs or small groups to evaluate energy use in their school and make recommendations for improved efficiency. Students create and use an energy audit tool to collect data and present recommendations to their class. Further communication at the school and district level is encouraged.

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Notes from our reviewers

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Have students complete energy audit sheets for each classroom they go to during one day and then compile the list of classrooms analyzed. This will cut down on the number of rooms that have to be covered during a single science class period.
Science involves students' ability to identify "energy-wise" and "energy-foolish" practices, although the Energy Audit Checklist provided with the activity helps to identify areas where energy savings are possible. Comments from expert scientist: The scientific strengths come from the information provided before the activity, as to why the activity is helpful, and the information gained after the "extension activities," where the anticipated consequence of the activity is discussed or revealed.
Activity is meant to be done after the Energy Action Challenge: [link http://energy.gov/eere/education/downloads/take-energy-action-challenge] Students in pairs or small groups investigate and document (visually as well as via the energy audit checklist) energy-saving practices in their school - discuss and share results and recommendations with school community. Activity provides a way to include the broader community in the classroom learning. An energy audit checklist is provided or classes can write their own. The extension activities provide worthwhile cross curriculum connections for math and language arts/multimedia.
Instructors will need to have a plan to effectively monitor students as they move around the school building to conduct their audit. The two extension activities provided will enrich the learning across the curriculum (language arts/multimedia). The Energy audit checklist is also very strong and will help students focus on common opportunities for saving energy.