Science of Energy Efficiency – Investigating Energy Efficiency Lab – Teacher

Summary

Investigating Energy Efficiency Lab Teacher Guide: Measuring Device Efficiency

The Investigating Energy Efficiency Lab Teacher Guide provides step-by-step instructional support for leading a hands-on investigation into the efficiency of an electric heating device. Teachers guide students in measuring electrical energy input using power and time, calculating thermal energy gained by water using mass, temperature change, and specific heat, and determining overall device efficiency.

This teacher guide includes clear learning objectives, materials lists, safety precautions, classroom procedures, and facilitation strategies for compiling and comparing class data across multiple trials. It supports meaningful discussion about energy loss, system inefficiency, experimental reliability, and environmental impact.

Designed for high school environmental science and physics courses, this lab strengthens quantitative reasoning, experimental design skills, and scientific explanation. It connects appliance efficiency to broader concepts of energy conservation and emissions, reinforcing key principles from the Science of Energy Efficiency lesson.