Choose one of the Bell Ringers provided to display for students to answer.
Science of Energy Efficiency
Summary
Science of Energy Efficiency: Quantitative Analysis of Energy Use and Efficiency
The Science of Energy Efficiency lesson builds on introductory ideas by examining energy efficiency through quantitative analysis, data interpretation, and experimental investigation. Students explore how energy efficiency affects electricity demand, emissions, and system reliability by analyzing real data and calculating efficiency in both applied and laboratory settings.
Students begin by developing a working scientific definition of energy efficiency and connecting efficiency improvements to changes in electricity demand and peak electric load. Through computation and data analysis activities, students compare energy use across technologies, calculate energy savings, and evaluate how efficiency improvements affect costs and energy systems over time.
A central component of the lesson is an experimental lab investigation in which students measure the efficiency of an electric heating device. By comparing electrical energy input with useful thermal energy output, students calculate efficiency, analyze sources of energy loss, and explain why no device operates at 100 percent efficiency. Students also compare results across trials to understand variability and reliability in scientific measurements.
This lesson emphasizes quantitative reasoning, experimental design, and systems thinking. It is well-suited for high school environmental science, physics, or integrated science courses and can be used as a full multi-day sequence or as a set of standalone activities.
This lesson includes bell ringers, vocabulary and quiz activities, computation practice, data analysis, a laboratory investigation, exit tickets, and teacher answer keys. Teachers may also want to explore Introduction to Energy Efficiency to support conceptual foundations before moving into this more quantitative lesson.
Activities
Video
Play this short video on energy efficiency to spark curiosity and encourage thoughtful discussion.
Vocabulary + Quiz
Have students review the vocabulary terms, watch the video, and answer the questions in the quiz.
Computation
Compare incandescent and LED light bulbs, calculate daily and monthly energy use, and determine cost savings using electricity rates.
Data Set
Analyze long-term trends in residential energy intensity in the United States.
Lab - Teacher Guide
Download this teacher guide to walk students through measuring device efficiency.
Lab - Student Guide
Use this handout with students to investigate how efficiently an electric heating device converts electrical energy into useful thermal energy.
Teacher Guide
Download this teacher guide that serves as a walkthrough with answers for the Science of Energy Efficiency lesson.
Answer Key
This short document provides answers to key activities in the Science of Energy Efficiency lesson.
Downloadables