Activity 1: Power to the people

The purpose of this activity is to give students the opportunity to

• think about eco-targets
• monitor electricity use
• practise ecological sustainability at home and/or at school

Length and implementation of activity

Part 1 and the setting up of Part 2A can be done in approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Allow one week for students to complete their meter readings. These readings are best done outside of class time, so during class time you could discuss topics such as electricity generation and alternative forms of energy.

The analysis of the meter readings in Part 2A and Part 2B can be done in approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Information relating to tariffs and wattage of lights and appliances can be obtained from your local electricity authority (try their web site) or, as a homework activity, students could check out wattages at stores that sell lights and appliances and complete the Table Showing Comparison the night before. (Note that the figures used for the calculations of coal burnt and CO2 emissions are based on figures available at the time and may not be entirely accurate.)

The optional role play could take 15 to 20 minutes to set up, then students must be allowed time outside of class to prepare their roles/questions. The actual role-play itself could take 30 to 40 minutes or more.
Helpful hints: Part 1? (eco-target) Students may wish to start by using Couran Cove's eco-target, which could be re-evaluated after collecting data on their own electricity usage.

Teachers Notes

• Download MS Word
• Download PDF

Student Notes

Part 1

• Download MS Word
• Download PDF

Part 2

• Download MS Word
• Download PDF

Worksheets are provided for

Part 2A

Part B

• Download MS Word
• Download PDF

Safety

Students should be supervised when reading electricity meters.

References

Clarke, Ron. Never Say Never: Couran Cove Resort from dream to reality. The
Couran Cove Resort Environmental Research Trust. 1999.

The Energy Guide. Commonwealth of Australia and Australian Consumers'
Association. 1991.

Web sites

www.couran-cove.com.au/html/newsinfo_frame.html (Energy Management? has info on Greenhouse Gas emissions from different energy sources.)

Check the phone book or call your local electricity authority for their URL.