The theme of this module is finding ways in which we can reduce our energy consumption. Module 1 dealt with reducing energy consumption in the home, while in Module 3 students learned how to use energy efficiently in the transportation sector. This module takes a broader perspective on energy consumption.
Science: Reuse It or Lose It
The science portion of this interdisciplinary unit focuses on helping students
to understand the importance of reducing solid waste. Students are introduced to different solid waste management strategies including recycling, reusing, composting, reduction and landfilling. They are encouraged to make choices that will help them to decrease the amount of material they send to the landfill each day. Two activities center around recycling paper. Students examine different types of paper to get a close look at fibers. They also design their own
mechanism for testing paper strength. Finally, students make their own recycled paper. They develop their own secret recipe for paper as part of the activity and make designer recycled paper. In the last activity, students learn the
advantages, in terms of energy and resources, of using degradable packing materials rather than Styrofoam.
Mathematics: The Pitfalls of Packaging
The mathematics portion of this interdisciplinary unit focuses student's attention on packaging. Students need to understand that much of our natural
resources go into packaging the products we purchase. Energy is lost in processing materials which are used only once. Once an item reaches the land fill, the energy tied up in the product is lost. Recycling is one way in which we can reuse the resources tied up in packaging materials. But if packaging
materials could be reduced, this would be an even better answer to this problem. In order to understand packaging, especially related to food items, it is important for students to have a good grasp of the relationship between the
volume and surface area of a rectangular prism. The mathematical focus of this unit is on the relationship between the surface area and volume of different containers. Students investigate the volume of a rectangular prism. By
manipulating centimeter cubes, students construct their own equation for determining the volume of a rectangular prism. Students also concentrate on the variables affecting the surface area of a rectangular prism. Once again, they
manipulate materials, arriving at their own equation for determining the surface area of a rectangular prism. The energy focus of this unit is emphasized when students are challenged to discover the dimensions of a rectangular-shaped food
container which will hold the most food, while using the least amount of packaging materials.
Language Arts: Just BeCause_.Debating Energy Issues
The language arts portion of this interdisciplinary unit focuses on helping
students to understand cause-effect relationships. They will see how understanding cause-effect will help them follow action in a story and better comprehend expository writing. Students should see that in a cause-effect
relationship, one event causes the other to happen.
Social Studies: Bill Me!
In social studies, students take part in a legislative simulation aimed at
addressing energy use through legislative means. In the process, students become familiar with the legislative process at the state level. Students are challenged to draft legislation dealing with the topics of: rewards for wise
energy use, electrical curfews, mandatory energy guidelines, and other possible energy use restrictions.
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