Using energy at school and at home

Using energy at school and at home

Pencil and paper
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Further Resources
This task is about the use of energy in everyday situations.
Tasks:

  • Look around the room for any objects which use energy, then do the tasks below.
  • You may also need to look around the staffroom and the school office.
 
a)
Fill out the table to show four different objects that use energy in each room and the type of energy they use. The first one is done for you.
 
Room Name of object Type of energy this object uses
Classroom 1  Lights
2
3
4		 1   Electricity
2
3
4
Staffroom 1
2
3
4		 1
2
3
4
School office 1
2
3
4		 1
2
3
4
 
b)
 
 
Think about the energy that you use at home. Fill out the table to show four things at home which use energy, and the type of energy which is used. The first one is done for you.
 
Name of object Type of energy this object uses
1  Lights
2
3
4
5
1   Electricity
2
3
4
5
Task administration: 
  • This task requires students to have access to other rooms in the school to look at appliances.
  • Discuss with students what is meant by "energy" in the context of this task.
Level:
2
Curriculum info: 
Science, Investigating in science, Physical World
Keywords: 
physics concepts, energy, electricity, household technology
Description of task: 
Students complete tables of energy use.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Gather and interpret data
This resource provides opportunities to discuss how careful observation of objects is used as evidence.
Science capabilities: 
Gather and interpret data
Answers/responses: 
   
a) Classroom, e.g.,

  • computer – electricity
  • heaters – electricity/gas/oil
  • calculators – solar/battery powered
  • OHP – electricity

School staffroom, e.g.,

  • oven – electricity/gas
  • lights – electricity
  • fridge – electricity
  • dishwasher – electricity
  • zip – electricity

School office, e.g.,

  • fax – electricity
  • lights – electricity
  • photocopier – electricity
  • computer – electricity
  • bell – electricity
b) Home, e.g.,

  • oven – electricity/gas
  • heaters – electricity/gas
  • microwave – electricity
  • open fire or wood burner – coal/wood
  • fridge – electricity
  • hot water – electricity/gas
  • TV – electricity
  • stereo/radio – electricity
  • blender – electricity