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Energy Efficiency for Schools

Energy StarEnergy Efficiency Lesson Plans & Activities
We're teaming up with the U.S. Department of Energy and ENERGY STAR® to provide energy efficiency education programs. Find more than 350 lesson plans and activities on energy efficiency and renewable energy for grades K-12. Each includes a short summary that identifies curriculum integration, time, materials, and national standards.

For grades K-4:

  • Comparing Light Bulbs - In this exercise, students will use a light to demonstrate the difference between being energy-efficient and energy-wasteful, and learn what energy efficiency means.
  • Draft-O-Meter - Students will learn an easy technique to measure the presence of drafts in their homes and classrooms.
  • Waste Watchers - In this activity, students conduct an audit of the energy they use in their own homes and create an action plan to reduce energy use.

For grades 5-8:

  • Comparing Light Bulbs - In this exercise, students will use a light to demonstrate the difference between being energy-efficient and energy-wasteful, and learn what energy efficiency means.
  • Energy Efficiency Ambassadors - Students will research and demonstrate energy efficiency in action and learn how it applies to different technologies.
  • Energy Efficiency in the Home - Through personal investigation, students will learn how they can become more energy savvy and discover ways to conserve energy in their homes.
  • Energy Savings Activities—Lighting - Students use the scientific method to examine school lighting technologies and determine if there are opportunities to save energy and money.
  • Draft-O-Meter - Students will learn an easy technique to measure the presence of drafts in their homes and classrooms.
  • Waste Watchers - In this activity, students conduct an audit of the energy they use in their own homes and create an action plan to reduce energy use.
  • Watt Does It Cost To Use It? Students learn how electrical usage is counted and priced. They measure and evaluate energy use and cost of representative household and school electrical items

For grades 9-12:

  • Take the Energy Action Challenge - Students will use an energy audit tool to collect data on their home and school energy habits and present an action plan to their class.
  • Energy Efficiency Ambassadors - Students will research and demonstrate energy efficiency in action and learn how it applies to different technologies.
  • Energy Walkabout - Students will create and use an energy audit tool to collect data and present recommendations to their class.
  • Summer Camp 2050 Students will formulate a plan to power a summer camp, considering electrical power, hot water, appliances, costs, and environmental and social impacts.
  • Watt Does It Cost To Use It? Students learn how electrical usage is counted and priced. They measure and evaluate energy use and cost of representative household and school electrical items

Or customize your search for plans. Also find more plans and activities below:

Energy Efficiency Activities