Scenario
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You and your sister have had the house to yourselves while your mother is out running errands. After watching television, listening to music, and playing outside, you both decide to make a snack in the kitchen. You leave the refrigerator door wide open while you make your sandwiches. You've left the television and all the lights on in the family room. Your CD player and bedroom lights are still on, and the back door is wide open while the air conditioning is running.
Just as you were getting ready to close the refrigerator door, your mother walks in. She takes one look at the refrigerator and the back door, sighs, and begins to circle the house closing doors, shutting off lights, the television, and the CD player. Finally she speaks, "Don't you two care about the earth?"
You insist that you care about the earth! Mom asks you where the electricity to power your lights, air conditioning, and appliances comes from. She asks you about the pollution you are creating. As you shrug your shoulders, she realizes that you have no idea what she is talking about. Mom thinks that some time away from the television will give you both time to think about energy and the environment.
So, you and your sister decide you need to learn more about using electricity more responsibly. Mom suggests you use the Internet to learn where electricity comes from, the pollutants it produces, and the ways you can conserve electricity. And, if you can lower your electric bill next month, you can watch television again!
Complete the following activities and record your answers on the worksheet provided.
Step One. Make a chart to compare the electricity sources, kilowatt hours consumed, and pollutant emissions for a $20, $40, $60, or $80 dollar electric bill in Michigan. Click here for the Environmental Defense Fund Web site for your information. Your chart should be set up like this:
Step Two. Using the data from your chart, make a graph that shows the relationship between your electric bill (which is based on the amount of electricity you use) and the pounds of carbon dioxide you produce. A graph outline is provided on your worksheet.
What conclusions can you make about the amount of electricity you use and the amount of carbon dioxide produced? Write a short paragraph that summarizes your thoughts.
Step Three. What are some things you can to do reduce the amount of electricity used in your home? Take notes of the tips you want to include in your poster (See Product #1). Click here to explore how to use less electricity.
Step Four. Interview your parents to find out what they may have already done or would consider doing to conserve energy in your home. Click here for an environmental organization's Web site for a list of things parents can do to save electricity. Important: When you get to this site, click on "What Can We Do?" and then click "Next. Twenty Things You Can Do".
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