Power Up: Energy Conservation vs. Energy Efficiency!

Science Grades 5th Grade 1:33 Video
Print Lesson Plan Watch Video

Lesson Description

Explore the difference between energy conservation and energy efficiency, and discover how both can help protect our planet!

Video Resource

Energy Conservation vs. Energy Efficiency

IGS Energy

Duration: 1:33
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Energy Conservation: Reducing energy use by changing behaviors.
  • Energy Efficiency: Using less energy to achieve the same task.
  • Carbon Footprint: The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere due to human activities.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define energy conservation and provide examples.
  • Students will be able to define energy efficiency and provide examples.
  • Students will be able to differentiate between energy conservation and energy efficiency.
  • Students will be able to explain how energy conservation and efficiency can reduce their carbon footprint.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they already know about saving energy. Discuss why it's important to save energy. Introduce the terms 'energy conservation' and 'energy efficiency' as concepts they will be learning about.
  • Video Viewing (5 mins)
    Play the YouTube video 'Energy Conservation vs. Energy Efficiency' by IGS Energy. Instruct students to pay close attention to the definitions and examples provided in the video.
  • Discussion & Explanation (10 mins)
    After the video, lead a class discussion to reinforce the concepts. Clarify any misunderstandings. Provide additional examples of energy conservation (e.g., unplugging chargers) and energy efficiency (e.g., energy-efficient appliances).
  • Activity: Energy Audit (15 mins)
    Divide students into small groups. Have each group brainstorm a list of ways they use energy at home and at school. Then, have them identify which actions are examples of energy conservation and which are examples of energy efficiency. Encourage them to think of ways to improve both conservation and efficiency.
  • Wrap-up (5 mins)
    Review the key concepts and learning objectives. Briefly discuss the connection between energy conservation, energy efficiency, and reducing their carbon footprint. Introduce the upcoming quiz as a way to test their understanding.

Interactive Exercises

  • Energy Conservation vs. Efficiency Sort
    Create a worksheet or use an online tool where students sort different actions into categories: Energy Conservation or Energy Efficiency. Examples: Turning off the lights, using a programmable thermostat, biking to school, using LED light bulbs.

Discussion Questions

  • What are some ways you already try to save energy?
  • Why is it important to reduce our carbon footprint?
  • Can you think of examples of energy conservation and energy efficiency that weren't mentioned in the video?

Skills Developed

  • Critical Thinking
  • Problem Solving
  • Collaboration
  • Scientific Reasoning

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What does energy conservation mean?

Correct Answer: Using less energy by changing habits

Question 2:

Which of these is an example of energy conservation?

Correct Answer: Turning off the TV when you're not watching it

Question 3:

What does energy efficiency mean?

Correct Answer: Using less energy to do the same thing

Question 4:

Which of these is an example of energy efficiency?

Correct Answer: Using LED light bulbs instead of old light bulbs

Question 5:

Why is it important to save energy?

Correct Answer: To help protect the Earth and its resources

Question 6:

What is a carbon footprint?

Correct Answer: The amount of carbon dioxide released into the air by your activities

Question 7:

Which activity uses energy?

Correct Answer: All of the above

Question 8:

Which of these helps the environment?

Correct Answer: Using less energy

Question 9:

What can you do to be more energy efficient?

Correct Answer: Use energy-saving light bulbs

Question 10:

What can you do to conserve energy?

Correct Answer: Walk or bike instead of driving

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

__________ is when you cut back on the actual energy being used.

Correct Answer: Energy conservation

Question 2:

__________ is cutting down on the energy required to achieve the same result.

Correct Answer: Energy efficiency

Question 3:

Taking a shorter shower is an example of __________.

Correct Answer: energy conservation

Question 4:

Using LED light bulbs is an example of __________.

Correct Answer: energy efficiency

Question 5:

Your __________ is the amount of carbon dioxide released into the air because of your actions.

Correct Answer: carbon footprint

Question 6:

Turning off the lights when you leave a room is an example of __________.

Correct Answer: energy conservation

Question 7:

Using less energy helps to protect the __________.

Correct Answer: environment

Question 8:

Walking or biking instead of driving a car helps reduce your ___________.

Correct Answer: carbon footprint

Question 9:

Replacing an old refrigerator with a new energy-efficient one is an example of improving __________.

Correct Answer: energy efficiency

Question 10:

Cutting back on your energy usage is an example of ___________.

Correct Answer: energy conservation

Educational Standards

5.ESS3.1:Obtain and combine information about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources and environments. 5.PS3.1:Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, motion, and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun.

Teaching Materials

Download ready-to-use materials for this lesson:

Student Worksheet Classroom Slides Assessment Quiz
Add to Google Classroom

User Actions

Sign in to save this lesson plan to your favorites.

Sign In

Share This Lesson

Related Lesson Plans