Lesson 6: Energy Efficiency
Curriculum Expectations
D1.1 analyse some conventional and alternative energy technologies (e.g., fossil fuel–burning power plants, hydro-powered generators, solar panels, wind turbines, fuel cells), and evaluate them in terms of their efficiency and impact on the environment
Minds-On
The TED talk below explores the value of energy in our society and is an excellent link to the topic of this lesson. Before beginning, ask students to look for important aspects of energy efficienc
Pedagogical approach
Class discussion and student note:
- Facilitate a class discussion about chemistry's role in improve efficiency of energy and resource usage in society. Begin with discussions at table groups or with elbow partners about what are some ways in which society is "wasteful" in terms of energy efficiency and resource usage. Is there anything from those ideas that is related to chemistry, thermochemistry, or chemical reactions?
- Group activity - Energy Efficiency Case Study. Students through a case study investigating energy efficient light bulbs and connect their readings to their knowledge of chemistry.
- Project introduction and work period - Introduce the creative piece to students and allow them to work for the rest of the period on the project. Working individually or in pairs, students research an alternative fuel or chemical to a petroleum-based chemical that is currently used.
Consolidation: Energy Reflection
- Ask students to reflect on their own energy uses at home and identify action plans through which they could improve the efficiency of their usage. From a chemistry perspective, what are some ways in what energy efficiency or resource usage could be improved? Students should come next class with at least two different ideas about how chemistry can be used to improve our energy consumption or resource usage.