Powering Our Homes

Grades1, 2, 3, 4Science, Social Studies, Visual and Performing Arts

What it is

In this drawing activity, students are introduced to domestic energy consumption by thinking about the energy uses in their own homes.
Students create a map of their home, describe the sources of their energy use, and develop ideas on how to reduce this consumption to help the planet.

Positives

Through this fun drawing and coloring activity, the students can reflect on their actions and energy consumption and develop solutions to save energy. Thus, this activity represents a reflective practice.

Additional Prerequisites

The teacher must print the student handout for each student.
For additional background students can read Sven's Search for Clean Energy before the activity.

This resource contains additional material presented in the "Sources" section about using energy wisely and saving it for the planet.
Please be aware of your students' family life. Some students may be uncomfortable drawing or speaking about where they live. Allow your students to draw part of your school or a friend's or neighbor's house if that makes them feel more comfortable.

Differentiation

Students can be challenged to create an energy action plan in their household, with steps to reduce energy usage.
This activity can be used as part of a lesson on energy sources.
Teachers can challenge students to complete as many of the energy-saving tasks as possible within a week. They can use a chart to help them record their progress and later share their experience with the class.

Students can explore this method by describing sources of energy used in their homes. This resource is recommended.

Hosted on climatescience.org

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Standards alignment · D4.7.K-2 + 3 more

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards

D4.7.K-2Identify ways to take action to help address local, regional, and global problems.

National Core Arts Standards

VA:Cn10.1.2aCreate works of art about events in home, school, or community life.

Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)

4-ESS3-1.Obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are derived from natural resources and that their uses affect the environment.
3-5-ETS1-2.Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.