today in energy

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Today in EnergyA critical thinking activity that introduces students to the economics of energy use in their daily lives. Choices, trade-offs, and costs are explored using math and critical thinking skills.

Science

Grade Levels:

Subject Areas:

Social Studies

Elementary

Math

Pri Ele IntSec

Language Arts

Pri

Ele

IntSec

Primary

Pri

Ele

IntSec

Intermediate

2 Today in Energy

Printed on Recycled Paper

NEED Mission StatementThe mission of The NEED Project is to promote an energy conscious and educated society by creating effective networks of students, educators, business, government and community leaders to design and deliver objective, multi-sided energy education programs.

Teacher Advisory Board StatementIn support of NEED, the national Teacher Advisory Board (TAB) is dedicated to developing and promoting standards-based energy curriculum and training.

Permission to CopyNEED materials may be reproduced for non-commercial educational purposes.

Energy Data Used in NEED MaterialsNEED believes in providing the most recently reported energy data available to our teachers and students. Most statistics and data are derived from the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Annual Energy Review that is published yearly. Working in partnership with EIA, NEED includes easy to understand data in our curriculum materials. To do further research, visit the EIA website at www.eia.gov. EIA’s Energy Kids site has great lessons and activities for students at www.eia.gov/kids.

1.800.875.5029www.NEED.org

© 2015

Teacher Advisory BoardShelly BaumannRockford, MI

Constance BeattyKankakee, IL

Amy ConstantRaleigh, NC

Nina CorleyGalveston, TX

Regina DonourWhitesburg, KY

Linda FonnerNew Martinsville, WV

Samantha Forbes

Vienna, VA

Michelle Garlick

Viola HenryThaxton, VA

Bob Hodash

DaNel HoganTucson, AZ

Greg HolmanParadise, CA

Linda HuttonKitty Hawk, NC

Matthew InmanSpokane, WA

Barbara LazarAlbuquerque, NM

Robert LazarAlbuquerque, NM

Leslie LivelyPorters Falls, WV

Jennifer Winterbottom Pottstown, PA

Mollie MukhamedovPort St. Lucie, FL

Don Pruett Jr.Sumner, WA

Josh RubinPalo Alto, CA

Joanne SpazianoCranston, RI

Gina SpencerVirginia Beach, VA

Tom SpencerChesapeake, VA

Jennifer Trochez MacLeanLos Angeles, CA

Joanne Trombley West Chester, PA

Carolyn WuestPensacola, FL

Wayne YonkelowitzFayetteville, WV

Jen VarrellaFort Collins, CO

Robert GriegolietNaperville, IL

www.eia.gov

www.eia.gov/kids

www.need.org

© 2015 The NEED Project 8408 Kao Circle, Manassas, VA 20110 1.800.875.5029 www.NEED.org 3

Table of Contents �Standards Correlation Information 4

�Teacher Guide 5

�Today in Energy Activity Cards 8

�Today in Energy Extension Activity Cards 13

�Today in Energy Blank Activity Cards 18

�Energy Bucks 19

�Evaluation Form 23

Today in Energy

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4 Today in Energy

Standards Correlation Informationwww.NEED.org/curriculumcorrelations

Next Generation Science Standards � This guide effectively supports many Next Generation Science Standards. This material can satisfy performance expectations, science and engineering practices, disciplinary core ideas, and cross cutting concepts within your required curriculum. For more details on these correlations, please visit NEED’s curriculum correlations website.

Common Core State Standards � This guide has been correlated to the Common Core State Standards in both language arts and mathematics. These correlations are broken down by grade level and guide title, and can be downloaded as a spreadsheet from the NEED curriculum correlations website.

Individual State Science Standards � This guide has been correlated to each state’s individual science standards. These correlations are broken down by grade level and guide title, and can be downloaded as a spreadsheet from the NEED website.

www.need.org/curriculumcorrelations


BackgroundToday in Energy is designed to help students become aware of the ways they use energy every day. It introduces students to the concepts of choice, trade-offs, and cost. Students are given a limited amount of money (in energy bucks) for a day of activities. They are given 13 two-sided cards that have activity choices on either side. There are also two blank cards, so that students can add additional choices, if you so choose. Students will use math and critical thinking skills to plan their day so that they can pay for their choices and still have fun.

Concepts �Everyone uses energy every day.

�Energy costs money. Some activities use more energy and cost more than others.

�People make choices about energy use.

�For most people, the amount of money they can spend on energy is limited or limits their choices.

Materials BY GRADE LEVEL

Grades K-1 �Ten energy bucks for each student �One set of Today in Energy Activity Cards

Grades 2-4 �Ten energy bucks for each student �One set of Today in Energy Activity Cards for each student �One set of Today in Energy Extension Activity Cards for each student �Counting coins

Grades 5-8 �One set of Today in Energy Activity Cards �One set of Today in Energy Blank Activity Cards for each student

2 Preparation BY GRADE LEVEL

Grades K-1 �Copy one energy bucks sheet for each student on colored paper. Have the students cut the sheet into individual energy bucks and place them in a stack.

�Copy one set of Today in Energy Activity Cards for your use. Cut the cards, fold on the dotted line, and paste or tape the cards together.

Grades 2-4 �Copy one energy bucks sheet for each student on colored paper. Have the students cut the sheet into individual energy bucks and place them in a stack.

�Copy one set of Today in Energy Activity Cards for each student. Have the students cut, fold, and paste the activity cards, then put them in order from number 1 to 13.

�Copy one set of Today in Energy Extension Activity Cards for each student. Have the students cut, fold, and paste the activity cards, then put them in order from number 1 to 13.

�Give each student a set of counting coins amounting to $5 to complete the extension activity.

OFFTeacher Guide

Grade Levels �Primary, grades K-2

�Elementary, grades 3-5

�Intermediate, grades 6-8

Time �30-45 minutes

Additional ResourcesNEED has many supporting resources that could be used to enhance student work and discussion related to this activity. These resources and many more can be downloaded by visiting the NEED website, www.NEED.org.

�Primary Energy Infobook

�Elementary Energy Infobook

�Intermediate Energy Infobook

�Building Buddies

�Monitoring and Mentoring

�Energy House

www.need.org

6 Today in Energy

Grades 5-8 �Copy one set of Today in Energy Activity Cards for use with the class. Cut the cards, fold on the dotted line, and paste or tape the cards together.

�Make copies of the Today in Energy Blank Activity Cards so that each student has several copies.

Procedure BY GRADE LEVEL

Grades K-11. Explain to the students that they must pay for all the energy they use today. Tell them that they will have choices, as shown on the

set of cards, and that different choices cost different amounts of money. With each card, they will make a choice. They must put the corresponding amount of money to pay for each choice into a separate stack on their desks.

2. Go through the cards one at a time, reading and displaying the choices and the number of energy bucks each choice costs.

3. Some students will run out of money before you finish going through the cards. Explain that that is okay, they will have another chance at the end of the round. At the end of the first round, see how many students have made it through the day with money left over. Most students will not have any money remaining.

4. Go through the cards again, encouraging students to think carefully about their choices and try to make it through the day without running out of funds. Hopefully, most students will make it through the day on this round. Discuss the concepts listed on the previous page with the students.

5. As an optional extension, complete step 3 below under the procedure for grades 2-4.

6. Students will practice adding their costs using fractions of dollars and counting coins.

Grades 2-41. Explain to the students that they must pay for all the energy they use today. Tell them that they will have choices as shown on the set

of cards, and that different choices cost different amounts of money. With each card they will make a choice.

1. Have the students put their energy bucks aside. Instruct them to go through the activity cards and plan a perfect day. After they have made their choices, have the students go through the cards they have chosen, paying for each activity. Most, if not all, of the students will run out of energy bucks before they are through the cards they selected.

2. Have the students go through their cards again, changing their choices until they can make it through the day with the energy bucks they have. Discuss the activity and the concepts listed on the previous page with the students.

3. Point out that some of the choices students made in the first part of the activity had a $0 energy cost. Every action in our lives uses energy from somewhere or something. For example, if we’re reading a book in the evening (11-B), there is probably a light on. The light uses electricity, and therefore would have a cost associated with it. Costs for each item are also very rarely round numbers and may need to include hidden costs, like other appliances in use. Use the extension cards and counting coins along with the original amount of energy bucks to work through your day. Would you still have enough funds to pay for your day with these costs? How much extra money would you need? Could you different choices to fit your budget?

4. Ask students to discuss the costs of each choice. Why are some choices more than others? What energy costs might be incorporated into each choice?

5. Explain to students that most adults, including their parents, make choices like these every day. Suggest that they share the activity cards at home with their siblings and parents.


Grades 5-81. Explain to students that they must pay for all they energy they use today. Tell them that they will have choices as shown on the set of

cards, and that different choices cost different amounts of money. With each card, they will make a choice.

2. Go through the cards one at a time, reading and displaying the choices for each. Ask students to record their choices for each step and tally up their estimated costs.

3. Explain to students that energy use is associated with costs. Ask the class how many of them would have money left over if they were given a hypothetical energy budget of $10 energy bucks per day. How many of the students would need to change a few of their choices to avoid over-spending?

4. Explain to students that the introductory portion of the activity uses more arbitrary costs for each of the activities in their day. Ask the class to consider what activities are actually part of their day. As a class, come up with a schedule that includes several this/that options for each activity or segment of the day. There can be more than two options for every segment.

5. Divide up each of the choices and ask students to determine the energy consumption for their assigned choice and an estimated cost by researching or using energy management tools you may have in the classroom. Ask students to make sure they consider hidden costs associated with their energy use. For example, when cooking eggs for breakfast, they likely used the stove, but also used the refrigerator. Both costs should be considered. (This step can also be assigned as homework.)

6. Review each option as a class and discuss the costs to make sure they make sense in relation to each other. Fill out the blank cards with the choices and their costs.

7. Allow students to work through the schedule to plan their own individual day, tallying their costs.

8. Assign a budget, based on the costs you determined. Encourage students to reevaluate their activity choices in order to meet the budget. (It may make sense to set the budget low.)

9. Discuss as a class how many students exceeded the budget, and how many students needed to reconsider their choices. Explain that most adults, including their parents, make choices like these every day in regards to paying their bills and budgeting for costs. Energy is often one of the items for which families must budget. How do the students contribute to their families costs? Ask the students to share the cards with their siblings and parents.

8 Today in Energy

Today in Energy1-A

Winter: Warm House(T-shirt)

orSummer: Cool House

(Air Conditioner)

$3

Today in Energy2-A

Wake Up EarlyWalk to School

$0

Today in Energy2-B

Sleep LateGet a Ride to School

$1

Today in Energy3-A

Make and Eat Eggsfor Breakfast

$2

Today in Energy1-B

Winter: Cool House(Sweatshirt)


(Fans)

$2

Today in Energy3-B

Make and Eat Cerealfor Breakfast

$1

TODAY IN ENERGY ACTIVITY CARDS


Today in Energy4-A

Make and Eat a Sandwichfor Lunch

$1

Today in Energy5-A

Go to a Club Meeting or SportsPractice After School

$1

Today in Energy5-B

Play Video Games with FriendsAfter School

$2

Today in Energy6-A

Walk Home From School

$0

Today in Energy4-B

Make and Eat aMicrowaveable Pizza for Lunch

$2

Today in Energy6-B

Get a Ride HomeFrom School

$1


10 Today in Energy

Today in Energy7-A

Make and EatAn After School Snack

$1

Today in Energy8-A

Study in DaylightPlay Later

$0

Today in Energy8-B

Watch TVStudy Later with Lights

$1

Today in Energy9-A

Watch a Movie

$1

Today in Energy7-B

NoAfter School Snack

$0

Today in Energy9-B

Play Outside

$0



Today in Energy10-A

Make and EatDinner

$2

Today in Energy11-A

Watch TV

$1

Today in Energy11-B

Read a Book

$0

Today in Energy12-A

Hot Bath

$2

Today in Energy10-B

Make and EatDinner

$2

Today in Energy12-B

Quick Shower

$1


12 Today in Energy

Today in Energy13-A

Winter: Warm House (Go to Bed with Heat Turned Up and Blankets)


(Air Conditioning)

$3

Today in Energy13-B

Winter: Cool House (Go to Bed with Heat Turned Down and

Blankets)or

Summer: Cool House (Ceiling Fan)

$2



Today in Energy1-A

Winter: Warm House(T-shirt)


(Air Conditioner)

$3.25

Today in Energy2-A

Wake Up EarlyWalk to School

$0.60

Today in Energy2-B

Sleep LateGet a Ride to School

$1.35

Today in Energy3-A

Make and Eat Eggsfor Breakfast

$2.50

Today in Energy1-B

Winter: Cool House(Sweatshirt)


(Fans)

$2.75

Today in Energy3-B

Make and Eat Cerealfor Breakfast

$1.25

EXTENSION ACTIVITY CARDS

14 Today in Energy

Today in Energy4-A

Make and Eat a Sandwichfor Lunch

$1.50

Today in Energy5-A

Go to a Club Meeting or SportsPractice After School

$1.55

Today in Energy5-B

Play Video Games with FriendsAfter School

$2.15

Today in Energy6-A

Walk Home From School

$0.30

Today in Energy4-B

Make and Eat aMicrowaveable Pizza for Lunch

$2.25

Today in Energy6-B

Get a Ride HomeFrom School

$1



Today in Energy7-A

Make and EatAn After School Snack

$1.15

Today in Energy8-A

Study in DaylightPlay Later

$0.25

Today in Energy8-B

Watch TVStudy Later with Lights

$1.35

Today in Energy9-A

Watch a Movie

$1.35

Today in Energy7-B

NoAfter School Snack

$0

Today in Energy9-B

Play Outside

$0.25


16 Today in Energy

Today in Energy10-A

Make and EatDinner

$2.50

Today in Energy11-A

Watch TV

$1.35

Today in Energy11-B

Read a Book

$0.55

Today in Energy12-A

Hot Bath

$2.50

Today in Energy10-B

Make and EatDinner

$2.50

Today in Energy12-B

Quick Shower

$1.85



Today in Energy13-A

Winter: Warm House (Go to Bed with Heat Turned Up and Blankets)


(Air Conditioning)

$3.25

Today in Energy13-B

Winter: Cool House (Go to Bed with Heat Turned Down and

Blankets)or

Summer: Cool House (Ceiling Fan)

$2.75


18 Today in Energy

Today in Energy-

Today in Energy-

Today in Energy-

Today in Energy-

Today in Energy-

Today in Energy-

BLANK ACTIVITY CARDS

20 Today in Energy

SOCIAL MEDIAStay up-to-date with NEED. “Like” us on Facebook! Search for The NEED Project, and check out all we’ve got going on!

Follow us on Twitter. We share the latest energy news from around the country, @NEED_Project.

Follow us on Instagram and check out the photos taken at NEED events, instagram.com/theneedproject.

Follow us on Pinterest and pin ideas to use in your classroom, Pinterest.com/NeedProject.

NEED’S SMUGMUG GALLERYhttp://need-media.smugmug.com/

On NEED’s SmugMug page, you’ll � nd pictures of NEED students learning and teaching about energy. Would you like to submit images or videos to NEED’s gallery? E-mail [email protected] for more information. Also use SmugMug to � nd these visual resources:

VideosNeed a refresher on how to use Science of Energy with your students? Watch the Science of Energy videos. Also check out our Energy Chants videos! Find videos produced by NEED students teaching their peers and community members about energy.

Online Graphics LibraryWould you like to use NEED’s graphics in your own classroom presentations, or allow students to use them in their presentations? Download graphics for easy use in your classroom.

E-Publications The NEED Project o� ers e-publication versions of various guides for in-classroom use. Guides that are currently available as an e-publication will have a link next to the relevant guide title on NEED’s curriculum resources page, www.NEED.org/curriculum.

NEED’s Online Resources

Supplemental MaterialsLooking for more resources? Our supplemental materials page contains PowerPoints, animations, and other great resources to compliment what you are teaching in your classroom! This page is available under the Educators tab at www.NEED.org.

The BlogWe feature new curriculum, teacher news, upcoming programs, and exciting resources regularly. To read the latest from the NEED network, visit www.NEED.org/blog_home.asp.

Evaluations and AssessmentBuilding an assessment? Searching for standards? Check out our Evaluations page for a question bank, NEED’s Energy Polls, sample rubrics, links to standards alignment, and more at www.NEED.org/evaluation.

NEED Energy BooklistLooking for cross-curricular connections, or extra background reading for your students? NEED’s booklist provides an extensive list of � ction and non� ction titles for all grade levels to support energy units in the science, social studies, or language arts setting. Check it out atwww.NEED.org/booklist.asp.

U.S. Energy GeographyMaps are a great way for students to visualize the energy picture in the United States. This set of maps will support your energy discussion and multi-disciplinary energy activities. Go to www.NEED.org/maps to see energy production, consumption, and reserves all over the country!

www.need.org/evaluation

www.need.org/curriculum

www.need.org

www.need.org/blog_home.asp

need-media.smugmug.com

www.need.org/booklist.asp

instagram.com/theneedproject

pinterest.com/needproject

https://twitter.com/need_project

https://www.facebook.com/NEEDProject

www.need.org/maps


Looking For More Resources?

Our supplemental materials page contains PowerPoints, animations, and other great resources to compliment what you are teaching! This page is available at www.NEED.org/educators.

www.need.org/educators

22 Today in Energy

Youth Awards Program for Energy Achievement

All NEED schools have outstanding classroom-based programs in which students learn about energy. Does your school have student leaders who extend these activities into their communities? To recognize outstanding achievement and reward student leadership, The NEED Project conducts the National Youth Awards Program for Energy Achievement.

This program combines academic competition with recognition to acknowledge everyone involved in NEED during the year—and to recognize those who achieve excellence in energy education in their schools and communities.

What’s involved? Students and teachers set goals and objectives, and keep a record of their activities. Students create a digital project to submit for judging. In April, digital projects should be uploaded to the online submission site.

Want more info? Check out www.NEED.org/Youth-Awards for more application and program information, previous winners, and photos of past events.

www.need.org/Youth-Awards


Today in EnergyEvaluation Form

State: ___________ Grade Level: ___________ Number of Students: __________

1. Did you conduct the entire activity? Yes No

2. Were the instructions clear and easy to follow? Yes No

3. Did the activity meet your academic objectives? Yes No

4. Was the activity age appropriate? Yes No

5. Was the allotted times sufficient to conduct the activity? Yes No

6. Was the activity easy to use? Yes No

7. Was the preparation required acceptable for the activity? Yes No

8. Were the students interested and motivated? Yes No

9. Was the energy knowledge content age appropriate? Yes No

10. Would you teach this activity again? Yes No Please explain any ‘no’ statement below.

How would you rate the activity overall? excellent good fair poor

How would your students rate the activity overall? excellent good fair poor

What would make the activity more useful to you?

Other Comments:

Please fax or mail to The NEED Project 8408 Kao Circle Manassas, VA 20110 FAX: 1-800-847-1820

National Sponsors and Partners

American Electric PowerArizona Public ServiceArizona Science CenterArmstrong Energy CorporationAssociation of Desk & Derrick ClubsAudubon Society of Western PennsylvaniaBarnstable County, MassachusettsRobert L. Bayless, Producer, LLCBPBlue Grass EnergyBoulder Valley School DistrictBrady TraneCalifornia State UniversityCape Light Compact–MassachusettsChevronChugach Electric Association, Inc. Colegio RochesterColumbia Gas of MassachusettsComEdConEdison SolutionsConocoPhillipsConstellationCuesta CollegeDaniel Math and Science CenterDavid Petroleum CorporationDesk and Derrick of Roswell, NMDominionDonorsChooseDuke EnergyEast Kentucky PowerEastern Kentucky UniversityElba Liquifaction CompanyEl Paso CorporationE.M.G. Oil PropertiesEncanaEncana Cares FoundationEnergy Education for MichiganEnergy Training SolutionsEversourceExelonFirst Roswell CompanyFJ Management. Inc. Foundation for Environmental EducationFPLThe Franklin InstituteFrontier AssociatesGovernment of Thailand–Energy MinistryGreen Power EMCGuilford County Schools – North CarolinaGulf PowerGerald Harrington, GeologistGranite Education FoundationHarvard PetroleumHawaii Energy

Houston Museum of Natural ScienceIdaho PowerIdaho National LaboratoryIllinois Clean Energy Community FoundationIndependent Petroleum Association of AmericaIndependent Petroleum Association of New MexicoIndiana Michigan Power – An AEP CompanyInterstate Renewable Energy CouncilJames Madison UniversityKentucky Clean Fuels CoalitionKentucky Department of EducationKentucky Department of Energy Develop-ment and IndependenceKentucky Power – An AEP CompanyKentucky River Properties LLCKentucky Utilities CompanyKinder MorganLeidosLinn County Rural Electric CooperativeLlano Land and ExplorationLouisiana State University Cooperative ExtensionLouisville Gas and Electric CompanyMaine Energy Education ProjectMassachusetts Division of Energy ResourcesMichigan Oil and Gas Producers Education FoundationMiller EnergyMississippi Development Authority–Energy DivisionMojave Environmental Education Consor-tiumMojave Uni�ed School DistrictMontana Energy Education CouncilNASANational Association of State Energy O�cialsNational FuelNational GridNational Hydropower AssociationNational Ocean Industries AssociationNational Renewable Energy LaboratoryNebraska Public Power DistrictNew Mexico Oil CorporationNew Mexico Landman’s AssociationNorthern Rivers Family ServicesNRG Energy, Inc.O�shore Energy CenterO�shore Technology ConferenceOhio Energy ProjectOpterra EnergyOxnard School DistrictPaci�c Gas and Electric Company

Paxton ResourcesPECOPecos Valley Energy CommitteePetroleum Equipment and Services Associa-tionPhillips 66PNMProvidence Public SchoolsRead & Stevens, Inc. Renewable Energy Alaska ProjectRhode Island O�ce of Energy ResourcesRiver Parishes Community CollegeRiverQuestRobert ArmstrongRoswell Geological SocietySalt River ProjectSandia National LaboratorySaudi AramcoScience Museum of VirginiaC.T. Seaver TrustShellShell ChemicalsSociety of Petroleum EngineersSociety of Petroleum Engineers – Middle East, North Africa and South AsiaDavid SorensonSouthern CompanySpace Sciences Laboratory of the University of California BerkeleyTennessee Department of Economic and Community Development–Energy DivisionTioga EnergyToyotaTri-State Generation and TransmissionTXU EnergyUnited States Energy AssociationUniversity of GeorgiaUnited Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New JerseyUniversity of Nevada–Las Vegas, NVUniversity of North CarolinaUniversity of TennesseeUniversity of Texas - AustinUniversity of Texas - TylerU.S. Department of EnergyU.S. Department of Energy–O�ce of Energy E�ciency and Renewable EnergyU.S. Department of Energy–Wind for SchoolsU.S. Department of the Interior–Bureau of Land ManagementU.S. Energy Information AdministrationWest Bay ExplorationWest Virginia State UniversityYates Petroleum Corporation

©2015 The NEED Project 8408 Kao Circle, Manassas, VA 20110 1.800.875.5029 www.NEED.org

today in energy

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energy bucks

energy conscious

energy activity cards

energy blank activity

economics of energy

reported energy data

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eias energy kids site