Includes a 2–3 day timeline, student steps, bill-reading support, kWh and cost calculations, graphing directions, and an efficiency upgrade extension with a grading rubric.
Home Electricity Audit
Summary
In this hands-on activity, students audit electricity use in their own homes by reading a real utility bill, calculating appliance energy consumption in kWh, and identifying where realistic savings exist. The lesson spans two to three class periods and includes a student handout, teacher guide with structured procedures and differentiation notes, and a full answer key. Works well as a standalone electricity unit or as part of a broader energy and efficiency sequence for grades 9 to 12.
Activities
Student Guide
Guides learners through a complete investigation of household electricity use—step by step, with all calculations structured and repeatable.
Answer Key
Includes sample responses for identifying bill components, explaining generation vs. delivery, and completing the cost-per-kWh math using a sample bill.
Downloadables