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Sustainability Lesson Clearinghouse
Using Plants to Save Energy
Lesson Description:
Lesson Overview: This lesson allows students the chance to explore the concept of how green space helps control temperatures. In winter, green materials help naturally warm areas and therefore less energy is needed. In the summer, green material helps shade and cool areas, also helping to conserve energy. Energy conservation leads to less use of fossil fuels. This is one of the environmental benefits of green space and landscaping.
Learning Objectives:
Students will be able to:
Measure and compare temperatures of different environments with various plant material.
Build a small structure with green roof material and observe the effects plant material has on temperatures.
Link temperature control to energy conservation.
Lesson Overview: This lesson allows students the chance to explore the concept of how green space helps control temperatures. In winter, green materials help naturally warm areas and therefore less energy is needed. In the summer, green material helps shade and cool areas, also helping to conserve energy. Energy conservation leads to less use of fossil fuels. This is one of the environmental benefits of green space and landscaping.
Learning Objectives:
Students will be able to:
Measure and compare temperatures of different environments with various plant material.
Build a small structure with green roof material and observe the effects plant material has on temperatures.
Link temperature control to energy conservation.
Lesson Type:
- Experiment
- Group Work
Sustainability Topic:
- Climate Change
- Energy
- Gardening
GEF Program Category:
- Green Energy Challenge
- Green Thumb Challenge
Time Needed:
2-3 classes
2-3 classes
Standards Addressed:
4ASI1.1 Ask a question about objects, organisms, and events in the environment.
4ASI1.2 Plan and conduct an investigation.
4ASI1.4 Use data to construct a reasonable explanation.
4FSPSP4.2 Changes in environments can be natural or influenced by humans.
8BPS3.6 The sun is a major source of energy for changes on the earth’s surface.
4ASI1.1 Ask a question about objects, organisms, and events in the environment.
4ASI1.2 Plan and conduct an investigation.
4ASI1.4 Use data to construct a reasonable explanation.
4FSPSP4.2 Changes in environments can be natural or influenced by humans.
8BPS3.6 The sun is a major source of energy for changes on the earth’s surface.
Submitted By:
GEF on behalf of Discovery Education
GEF on behalf of Discovery Education
School or Group:
Discovery Education
Discovery Education
Contact Email:
service@greeneducationfoundation.org
service@greeneducationfoundation.org
Located in: Science
