Be Sun-sible about Saving Energy

Topics:  Solar Energy, Insulation, Heat

Source:  "The Energy Sourcebook: Elementary Unit" (1990) Tennessee Valley Authority

Web address: http://www.ase.org/educators/lessons/BeSunsible.html

Grade Level:  MS/HS

Learning Strategies:  Hands-on activities, discussion

Frameworks Connections:

Science and Technoology/Engineering

• Earth and Space Science, Grade 9 or 10

1.Matter and Energy in the Earth System

2.The Earth's Sources of Energy

• Physical Sciences, Grades 3-5

Forms of Energy

• Physical Sciences, Grades 6-8

Heat Energy

• Technology/Engineering, Grades 6-8

5. Construction Technologies

• Technology/Engineering, Grade 9 or 10

2. Construction Technologies
4.Energy and Power Technologies - Thermal

Cost:  Free

Description: In this activity, provided by the Alliance to Save Energy and the Energy Sourcebook, students can investigate the concepts surrounding insulation and heat by constructing a simple solar water heater.  The activity is presented with background information and discussion of energy efficiency in the home, materials, a procedure, and terms to know. The detailed teacher guide at the beginning of the lesson contains the follow-up questions to be used in discussion and extensions to the activities.  In addition, the student activities are mapped out and diagramed by the step-by-step procedure.   Although the link to the PDF format is unavailable, the lesson can be viewed in HTML format.