What does it cost to keep the lights on? Through a hands-on activity, class members use a watt meter and determine the amount of energy different types of light bulbs use. The class then determines the financial and environmental cost of running appliances for one year. This is lesson three in a 19-part series.

Concepts

energy conservation, energy consumption, force, work, watts, energy

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• In addition to lights, have other electrical appliances available to test with the Kill A Watt meters
• Provide additional practice in the calculations needed for this exercise

Classroom Considerations

• Several Kill A Watt meters will be needed
• The class will need easy access to electrical outlets or extension cords
• Third in a 19-part series

Pros

• The lesson plan provides extension activities
• Worksheets come with an answer sheet

Cons

• Cost and carbon dioxide per kilowatt information is from 2011