Energy Efficiency - Billingual

Energy Efficiency (Grade 4) The Energy Efficiency unit compares renewable and nonrenewable resources, including the benefits and disadvantages associated with both. Students uncover how humans impact the environment through natural resource extraction for the purpose of energy production. They also learn strategies to reduce energy consumption within the community, specifically in their classroom and at home. *This Green Box is provided FREE to NV Educators through funding provided by NV Energy and Southwest Gas as part of the Energy Smart Program at DRI. Lesson 1: Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources Students begin the unit by developing their own questions about how natural resources are extracted for energy production and the subsequent environmental impact that results from their removal and use. Emphasis is placed on learning to differentiate between renewable and nonrenewable resources. Lesson 2: Using and Protecting Environmental Resources Students must assume the role of land managers to determine how their country will be used and developed. Each group is tasked with producing the same amount of energy, but are given access to varying amounts of natural resources. How will the decisions made impact the environment? Lesson 3: Human Impact on the Earth How have societal demands for natural resources changed over time? From agriculture to transportation, heating to communication, technological advancements have impacted every aspect of our lives. Students delve into three such developments related to energy production: solar cells, wind turbines, and hydroelectric generators. Lesson 4: Classroom Conservation How much energy does your school use every day? Upon completion of an energy audit, students will identify tangible ways to conserve energy such as fixing minor structural problems and modifying student/teacher behavior. Lesson 5: What can we do? The final lesson has students make connections between all of the lessons and tie energy use to their own lives. They design a solution to a problem they identify.