Energy Conservation… It Cost Watt?

Standards

Title: Paperclip Pendulums
Grade: 6th Grade
Duration: 45 Minutes

Standards

Science – SC.6.P.11.1
Explore the Law of Conservation of Energy by differentiating between potential and kinetic energy. Identify situations where kinetic energy is transformed into potential energy and vice versa.

Language Arts – LAFS.6.RL.1.2 
Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.

Objective

The student will be able to:

  • Read and decipher an electric bill
  • Have a better understanding of solar energy
  • Make a constructive and monetary decision on whether they should install solar panels in their home

Vocabulary

FrequencyPotential energyKinetic Energy ConservationLaw of Conservation of EnergyVibrationSpeed HabitsBehavior efficiencyCFL  (Compact Fluorescent Lamp)LED  (Light Emitting Diode)

Materials

  • KWL Chart
  • Copy of Energy from the Sun
  • Copy of Electric bill to share or per group
  • Pen
  • Pencil
  • Paper

Procedure

  1. In this activity students will have to deduce if solar panels would be a good investment for their homes.
  2. Prior to completing the assignment they must read and ascertain the material presented in front of them.
  3. Have students complete the KWL individually.
  4. After they are done, place them into groups for them to discuss the “K & W”.
  5. Have them read, “Energy from the Sun”, pages 2-7.
  6. Discuss as a class. Have them go back to the KWL and fill in what they learned and highlight the answers if they found them for the “W” What they wanted to learned.
  7. Pass out copies of the electric bill; by groups or individually. Open the following webpage to discuss how to read an electric bill. https://www.fpl.com/rates/understand-bill.html
  8. Go over the entire bill so that students have a complete understanding of it.
  9. Hand out the reminder of the packet. You could assign this as a class group project due to time constraints or they can take it home and present it during the next class visit.

After reviewing and comparing both bills; write your opinion of which one is better and why? Do the math, compare each bill. Remember to support your answer. 

Back it up with the facts!

Energy Conservation at Homes

Is solar energy the way of the future? During the last several years there has been a push for homeowners to invest in solar power; but is it cost effective? Will it reduce your home bills?

The average cost for an average-sized installation in the U.S. usually ranges from $10,836 to $14,196 after solar tax credits.

The price is usually calculated by wattage at an average cost of $2.98  per solar panel system. In the United States, most panels are approximately  6 kilowatts (kw); therefore it would be close to $12,500 after tax credits.

Think About it! How long would it take you before you start seeing the benefits in your bank account?

We know that using solar energy is better for the environment but, it’s time for you to decide what would be more cost effective for you and your family.

For this assignment you will have to  decide what is in the best interest of your family. Prepare to make a constructive  decision based on the information you have read and the amount of money you will need to spend up front before you start seeing any true savings. Be prepared to support your decision. 

 

KWL Organizer for Solar Energy

Energy From The Sun 1

Energy From The Sun 2

Energy From The Sun 3

Energy From The Sun 4

Hybrid Electric Power Plants 1

Hybrid Electric Power Plants 2

Solar Resources in the US

Side by Side FPL Bills