Link(s) to the Saskatchewan Science Curriculum:

• Assess the impact of past and current heating and cooling technologies

Brief Overview of the Lesson:

Students will brainstorm the costs of running a household. Using the internet they will research ways to improve efficiency in homes which will save money and help the environment.

Estimated Time Required for Implementation:

One class period

Materials Needed:

Student group access to the internet

Suggested Implementation Strategy:

• Ask the students to brainstorm some of the monthly costs of owning a home.
• Once they have compiled a list indicate to them that the focus of the lesson will be on how to reduce some of those costs and also help the environment by reducing the consumption of energy and thereby lowering the amount of pollutants.
• Divide the class into 5 groups and assign each of the groups one of the following topics:
  1. Home energy audits—How are they done? What results do they give? What are the benefits of doing one on your home?
  2. Heating and cooling a house—What can be done to lower costs?
  3. Water Heaters—What can be done to lower costs?
  4. Home Appliances—What can be done to lower costs?
  5. Lighting in the home—What can be done to lower costs?
• Possible websites are:
  • http://www.environment.gov.sk.ca/go-green/programs/energy-conservation
  • http://www.saskenergy.com/saving_energy/tips.asp
  • http://www.saskpower.com/efficiency-programs-and-tips/save-power-at-home/
  • http://www.powerhousetv.com/Energy-EfficientLiving/EnergysavingsTips/027471
• Allow time for research and then have each group report their findings to the class.
• Complete the lesson by asking them what they think would be a wise thing to do with the money that was saved.

Possible Links to the Home Program:

• Ages 14–16 – Crafts – Tracking Expenses and Managing Money

Extended Learning Opportunities:

• The students could select one appliance from their home and examine the energy efficiency rating of that appliance. They could then be asked to decide if it was energy efficient and, if not, how much could be saved by getting a more efficient appliance.