Introduction

Energy and water are essential resources that power our homes and communities, but they are not equally available to all people around the world. In this activity, students and their families will analyze their electricity usage, investigate where their power comes from, and work together to reduce energy and water consumption over a month.

Through daily conservation efforts and a tracking system, families will develop habits that help lower utility bills and reduce their environmental impact. This activity also introduces global energy access challenges using the SwitchOn documentary as a discussion tool.

Note: Family participation is needed. One month challenge.
The teacher can introduce this activity in class, but the majority of the research/discussion will be done by students and their families. It should be an optional challenge, as not all students will have access to home energy bills or family willing to participate.

Student Objectives

Students will be able to:

• Understand how electricity usage is measured and where household energy comes from.
• Identify and implement strategies to conserve electricity and water.
• Track energy and water conservation efforts for a month.
• Discuss energy accessibility worldwide and compare different energy challenges.

Materials Needed

• A recent family electricity bill
• Internet access or utility provider’s website to determine the local energy mix (coal, nuclear, solar, wind, etc.)
• Printable: Energy & Water Savings Calendar
• Stickers or markers for tracking daily conservation efforts.
• The complete SwitchOn Documentary.

Procedure

Step 1: Understanding Your Electricity Bill

1. Examine your latest electricity bill. Identify:
   – Total energy usage (measured in kilowatt-hours, kWh)
   – Cost per kWh
   – Energy sources listed (if available)
   – Seasonal patterns in energy use
2. If your bill does not include energy sources, visit your utility company’s website to learn about your region’s power generation mix.
   – Utility company website example: San Antonio’s CPS Energy’s Power Generation
3. Discuss: What factors might cause electricity usage to rise or fall?

Step 2: Investigating Energy Sources

1. Use the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) website or your utility provider’s resources to research which energy sources power your home.
2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different energy sources (coal, nuclear, hydro, solar, wind, etc.).
3. Compare your region’s energy mix to another part of the world. How does access to resources impact energy choices?

Step 3: Family Conservation Challenge

1. Print out or create an Energy & Water Savings Calendar.
2. Every day, mark a star on the calendar when at least one energy-saving action is completed. Some examples include:
   – Turning off lights when leaving a room
   – Using energy-efficient appliances
   – Unplugging devices when not in use
   – Shortening showers to save water and energy
   – Running dishwashers and washing machines with full loads
   – Air-drying clothes instead of using a dryer
3. Encourage family members to come up with their own conservation ideas and add them to the challenge.
4. At the end of the month, calculate estimated energy and water savings based on actions taken.

Step 4: Reflection and Next Steps

1. Reflect on the month-long challenge:
   – Which conservation efforts were easiest?
   – What habits will you continue?
   – Did you notice any reduction in energy/water use?
2. Consider setting long-term conservation goals for your family.
3. Explore additional energy education resources and STEM projects to continue learning.

Assessment & Extensions

• Compare bills: If possible, compare energy usage from the beginning and end of the month.
• Student presentations: Have kids present their energy findings and favorite conservation tips to family members or classmates.

Step 5: Celebrate!

Celebrating the completion of your family’s month-long energy and water conservation challenge can reinforce positive habits and make the experience enjoyable. Here are some reward ideas:

1. Host an Electricity-Free Day: Plan a day filled with outdoor activities like hiking, picnicking, or visiting a local museum. This not only serves as a reward but also continues the theme of energy conservation by minimizing electricity use at home.
   – hiloenergie.com
2. Family Outing: Celebrate with a special trip to a place everyone enjoys, such as a zoo, amusement park, or beach. This serves as both a reward and an opportunity to spend quality time together.
3. Game or Movie Night: Organize a family game night or a movie marathon with everyone’s favorite films. To maintain the conservation theme, consider using minimal lighting or watching movies together in one room to reduce energy consumption.
4. Cook a Special Meal Together: Prepare a favorite family meal or try a new recipe together. Opt for no-bake or energy-efficient recipes to keep in line with your conservation efforts.
   – saveonenergy.ca
5. Recognition and Rewards: Acknowledge each family member’s contributions with certificates or small rewards. This recognition can motivate continued energy-saving habits.
   – apge.com
6. Plan a Staycation: Create a fun and relaxing environment at home with themed activities, such as a backyard camping night or a DIY spa day. This can be both enjoyable and energy efficient.