WATT Did You Say?
As a homework assignment, instruct students to locate all the light bulbs in their homes, adding up and recording the total wattage. Have them list all the electronic appliances, including refrigerators and air-conditioning units, examining each item when it is turned off to find and record the wattage rating. Then students should add up the total number of watts required to power all the items in their homes. In class, have students estimate the amount of time each item is in use during a month and determine the total power consumption in kilowatt hours for one month. Have them work together to develop a plan to conserve energy in their homes.