This module applies basic laws of thermodynamics to the study of the efficiency at which heat can be converted to other useful forms of energy, including heat at low temperatures. The module is divided into four major sections. Section I treats energy conversion efficiency and defines the concept of first-law efficiency, the most widely used…

This module contains readings which explain the need to conserve electricity and describe how major electric energy users (the industrial and commercial groups) use and conserve electricity. The module also contains 10 self-check questions (with answers) and a list of references. Students completing the module should be able to: (1) compare the…

Presented is a list of 20 books on renewable energy resources. These books are suitable for children in the elementary grades. Each entry includes the title, author(s) or editor(s), number of pages, price, publication date, recommended grade level(s), and source. (JN)

The California Extension Service works with schools to develop energy education programs which will reduce school energy usage and costs by involving staff and students in energy management. This bibliography contains selected materials which present an accurate reporting of the facts, assume little teacher background, emphasize active learning in…

Information on how to conserve electrical energy in the home is provided in this module, which is recommended for sophomores in high school. Topics considered include electric meters, electric bills, costs, and conservation practices. Also included are several activities, sample problems to solve, four exercise sets (with answers), and a short…

Presented is a list of 17 publications dealing with various aspects of renewable energy resources. These publications are suitable for students in grades 6 through 12. Each publication includes title, publication date, source, number of pages, cost, and when applicable, recommended grade level(s). (JN)

The California Extension Service works with schools to develop energy education programs which will reduce school energy usage and costs by involving staff and students in energy management. This bibliography contains selected materials which present an accurate reporting of the facts, assume little teacher background, emphasize active learning in…

This booklet provides background information and five experiments which focus on how energy is lost. Section I contains two experiments to help students discover how energy is lost in their homes. These experiments involve determining a home's location and the weather forces acting on it and completing a home energy audit. Section II contains two…

Four additional readers have been written for use in the Science in Society general studies project. Three of the readers discuss the applications and importance of engineering in the world. They include: Engineering 1 (Reader M), which discusses such topics as the role of engineering in society, structural design and engineering, the engineering…

Background information, lists of materials needed, and procedures are provided for 11 energy conservation experiments. They include: (1) five experiments on heating and cooling (investigating how insulation works, investigating how weatherstripping works, investigating how storm windows work, building a draftometer, and letting sun heat a house);…

Seychelles Integrated Science (SIS), a 3-year laboratory-based science program for students (ages 11-15) in upper primary grades 7, 8, and 9, was developed from an extensive evaluation and modification of previous P7-P9 materials. This P9 SIS unit deals with: (1) the importance of energy in students' everyday lives; (2) energy forms and…

This document is the result of a study to determine the general availability of free or low-cost energy-related educational materials for primary and secondary school students and educators. Some of the organizations represented in this list take policy positions on energy issues and express them in the school level materials. Contained in this…

This 17-chapter book (which may also be used as a textbook) provides a thorough insight into the basic facts about energy as well as new and transitional technologies such as synthetic fuels. The book also helps examine the economic, societal, and political aspects of the energy situation in detail, consistently providing technical data to support…

Energy is a vital topic. Energy costs have risen dramatically during the last decade and home owners are concerned about their energy bills and the costs associated with heating or cooling their homes. An understanding of energy, its sources and ways to reduce its use or improve the efficiency with which people use it will become more important as…

The Science in Action series is designed to teach practical science concepts to special-needs students. It is intended to develop students' problem-solving skills by teaching them to observe, record, analyze, conclude, and predict. This document contains a student workbook which deals with basic principles of physical science. Six separate units…