Lesson 1:
Story Time

(1 hour)

Summary
Students read Energy Detectives and participate in class discussion.

  • Relevant Frameworks: RI.1.1, RI.1.2, RI.1.3
  • Lesson Type: Standalone
  • Prep Time: None
  • Storage Space Required: None

Lesson 2:
Light Energy Investigation

(1 to 1 1/2 hours)

Summary
Students investigate how light can/can not move through materials and connect to the efficient use of light energy.

  • Relevant Frameworks: 1-PS4-3, 1.K-2-ETS1-1, 1.K-2-ETS1-2
  • Lesson Type: Standalone
  • Prep Time: Under 10 min
  • Storage Space Required: Tote bag

Lesson 3:
Picture Book

(1 hour)

Summary
Students make their own picture book showing ways to save energy.

  • Relevant Frameworks: SEL11, SEL12, SS 1.T4.7, SS 1.T4.8, W.1.7
  • Lesson Type: Builds on previous lesson
  • Prep Time: Under 10 mins
  • Storage Space: Tote bag

Lesson 4:
Book Sharing

(1 1/2 hours)

Summary
Students share and present their picture books, explaining how energy can be saved and why it is important.

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Energy Detectives - Build energy-efficient model homes

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Rationale

Heating and cooling of buildings is one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions in U.S. cities and towns. Burning of fossil fuels for energy results in high costs to residents as well as pollution that leads to environmental and health concerns.

Illnesses associated with fossil fuel pollution include chronic cough, asthma, lung cancer, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments. Energy efficiency measures can support good physical and mental health by creating healthier indoor living environments, which include improved air temperatures, noise levels, humidity levels and air quality.

The book Energy Detectives was written by Madelyn Rosenberg, illustrated by Paul Meisel, and funded by Cooler Communities to help children better understand how to conserve energy at home. Our hope is that educators will read the book with students in the classroom and incorporate some or all of our accompanying solutions-based curriculum into their instruction.

Additionally, we hope children will learn to understand and advocate for changes to energy consumption in their communities. This starts with encouraging their adult family members to make changes to more efficiently insulate and power their homes.