Science of Energy Efficiency – Starter Pack

Summary

Science of Energy Efficiency Vocabulary and Quiz: Energy Systems Terminology

The Science of Energy Efficiency vocabulary and quiz activity develops the technical language students need to analyze electricity systems and efficiency improvements. Key terms include commodity, power plant, emissions, peak electric load, grid, and efficiency.

Students watch the Science of Energy Efficiency video and apply vocabulary in context before completing a quiz that checks conceptual understanding. The activity emphasizes how efficiency relates to grid stability, electricity demand, and system reliability rather than focusing on specific energy sources.

This vocabulary foundation supports later computation, data analysis, and laboratory work by ensuring students can accurately interpret graphs, formulas, and experimental results.

This activity supports the Science of Energy Efficiency lesson, including the computation activity and lab investigation. Teachers may also want to explore Electricity Demand and the Grid to reinforce vocabulary in a systems context.

Bell Ringer

Instructions: Answer the prompt provided by your teacher.










Vocabulary

Instructions: Watch the Science of Energy Efficiency video and listen for the vocabulary words.

WordDefinitionExample
Commoditynoun; a raw material or basic good that can be bought, sold, or traded“By now, you may be getting the idea that electricity is a precious commodity . . .”
Power Plantnoun phrase; a facility where energy is converted to electricity for use“Most power plants produce emissions when they make electricity.”
Emissionsnoun; pollutants or gases released into the air“Most power plants produce emissions when they make electricity.”
Peak Electric Loadnoun phrase; the largest quantity of electricity needed at one time in a specific area“Reducing the peak electric load . . . keeps the grid stable when it’s nearly maxed out, and saves electricity when it’s most expensive.”
Gridnoun; a network of power plants, wires, and equipment that delivers electricity to homes and businesses“Reducing the peak electric load . . . keeps the grid stable when it’s nearly maxed out, and saves electricity when it’s most expensive.”
Efficiencynoun; using less energy to do the same task or produce the same result, without wasting resources“Efficiency is the most important step we can take in energy.”

Quiz

Instructions: Circle the correct answer based on what you learned in the Science of Energy Efficiency video.

Q1. Using less electricity reduces our

  1. fossil fuel use
  2. money spent on electricity
  3. power plant emissions
  4. all of the above

Q2. Identify which of the following statements is false.

  1. Increasing efficiency helps the electric grid be more reliable.
  2. Increasing efficiency requires using renewable energy.
  3. Increasing efficiency reduces emissions.
  4. Increasing efficiency is practical.

Q3. According to the video, what is the most important new technology for our energy future?

  1. LED lightbulbs
  2. new ways to use less energy
  3. super efficient batteries
  4. fusion energy

Q4. What happens when people reduce electricity during times of high demand (like hot afternoons)?

  1. The grid becomes less stable.
  2. Electricity becomes more expensive.
  3. Power plants shut down completely.
  4. The grid stays stable and electricity costs less.