The energy we use at home, school, or work enhances our lives, but it also often contributes to air and water pollution, wildlife and habitat loss, and climate change. When we reduce the amount of electricity we use—or use electricity from sources that are less polluting—we help to protect the environment and human health. Students learn about different sources of energy, conduct an audit of the electricity they use in their own homes, and create an action plan to use energy wisely.

Objectives

Students will

  • Describe different energy sources and some of the positive and negative effects of using them.
  • Identify ways to use less electricity in their daily lives.
  • Explain how using energy more wisely can reduce the negative effects of energy sources on people and the environment.

For the complete activity and more like this, purchase the Explore Your Environment: K-8 Activity Guide at Shop.PLT.org and/or attend a professional development training in your state.