Energy Demand and Scale – Bell Ringer
Summary
Overview
Engage students from the start with this quick Bell Ringer that introduces the idea of balancing energy supply and demand. Students reflect on how their own daily activities—turning on lights, cooking dinner, or using air conditioning—affect electricity use across the grid.
Learning Focus
Analyze what factors drive energy demand and identify patterns in daily and seasonal electricity use. Build curiosity around how utilities anticipate when and how people use power, setting the stage for deeper exploration of load curves and grid management.
Classroom Integration
- Use to open a unit on energy systems or electricity generation.
- Encourage students to make connections between personal behavior and community-scale energy use.
Transition seamlessly into The Demand Curve video and data analysis.
What might happen to the city’s power grid if demand for electricity spiked instantly because everyone turned on their air conditioners at once?
What hours of the day do you think electricity demand is the highest in your city or town? Explain your reasoning.
Energy systems can take decades to change.
Brainstorm: What are some reasons it’s difficult to switch to new technologies quickly? Give an example.
