Lesson 1: Introduction to Energy

Supporters of the Big Energy Efficiency Project

Lesson 1 ObjectivesBy the end of the lesson students will be able to:

1. Recall different types of energy and their uses.2. Identify how energy is wasted.3. Explain ways to reduce the waste.

The Challenge • Students will create a campaign to persuade

people to be more energy efficient.• The best school campaign team, if you so

choose, are entered into The Challenge.The best Year 7 or S1 national campaign and

the best Year 8/9 or S2/3 campaign wins:• £1000 of science equipment vouchers for

their school.• £50 personal vouchers to be given to

members of the winning team*

*Please refer to terms and conditions, which can be downloaded from the Pod (www.jointhepod.org/beep)

The Challenge – Prizes

• 2 categories: in England and Wales, Year 7 and Year 8/9; in Scotland S1 and S2/3.

• For each category, the winning school will receive £1000 of science equipment

vouchers.

• For each category, the members of the winning team will receive £50 personal

spending vouchers*

*Please refer to terms and conditions, which can be downloaded from the Pod (www.jointhepod.org/beep)

Student BEFORE survey• The Challenge aims to help students understand the science

behind energy, build skills, and develop an interest in careers in science. To measure the results students will be asked to complete two surveys.

• Students need to complete a BEFORE survey:https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BEEP2016_Before

• And an AFTER survey, at the end of the 6 week activity.

• If you have not completed the BEFORE survey please do so.

ACTIVITY 1 What is energy? Card sorting game• How much do you know about energy already?

– Sort the cards into 3 columns – Energy types, definitions and examples.– Try to match each type to its definition and example.– Write down any which are new to you.

How is energy produced?For many years, we have generated electricity in much the same way:

Fossil fuels that are traditionally used such as C____, O__ and N_______ G__ are in short supply. There are alternative methods of turning the turbines.

1. Fuel is burnt. Heat energy is released. This heats water and turns it to steam.

2. The steam passes through large turbines (fans), which then rotate.

3. The turbine turns the generator which produces an alternating current.

5. The electricity goes into then National grid which distributes electricity.

4. Transformer.

Electricity through coal• A coal power

station turns the chemical energy in coal into electrical energy that can be used in homes and businesses.

Electricity through gas• A gas power

station turns the chemical energy in natural gas into electrical energy that can be used in homes and businesses.

Gas is also supplied directly to homes. Why?

Electricity through nuclear• A nuclear power station turns the nuclear energy in uranium atoms into electrical energy that can be used in homes and businesses.

Wave Power Station 1.A wave capture chamber is set in the rock face.2.Tidal power forces water into the chamber.3.Air alternately compressed and decompressed by an oscillating water column4.Rushes of air drive the turbine creating power.

Hydroelectric - Water fills a lake behind a dam. As water rushes down from the dam, it turns turbines, which then turn generators.

Geothermal - In certain parts of the world, heat from the Earth can be used to produce steam to power turbines and heat homes.

Renewable electricity production

ACTIVITY 2‘Energy In The Home’ Worksheet

• Where might energy be wasted around the home? • Can you identify ways to reduce energy wastage?• Can you explain the science behind these methods?

• Use the worksheet to set up an experiment to measure the temperature loss of beakers using different materials to insulate them.

ACTIVITY 3 (Optional)

Practical

• Your homework is to complete a questionnaire with family or friends to find out how they use /waste energy.

• But first you need to create the survey!

• Work together to create a questionnaire that will be used by the whole class. Each group writes 2 questions on a sheet of paper. Circulate the sheets so students can see what other people have suggested. Together with your classmates select the best questions to be used in the survey.

HOMEWORK ACTIVITY 4

Finding out how people use energy at home

Homework• Complete your survey with family or friends to find out how

they use/waste energy at home.

• Reminder - If you have not completed the BEFORE online student survey please do that before the next lesson.https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BEEP2016_Before

• Next week’s lesson will focus on planning your own energy efficiency campaign!