USING DATA TO TRIM ENERGY CONSUMPTION

About the project

The project aimed at providing learners with the knowledge of how data is collected, represented and used for impacting real life outcomes. In this project, students of class VII used the concepts of measurement, data, fraction, and percentage to develop, implement, and analyse a survey to reduce the impact of electricity consumption on the environment.

Driving Question

How can we use data to reduce our impact on the environment?

Process

The ability to collect information or data, present it appropriately, and interpret its findings is an important aspect of decision making. Electricity consumption was used as a theme to use data. As an entry event, students watched an animated video “Energy, Let’s save it” where a family unknowingly and carelessly wastes energy from the moment they wake up. The driving question led the students to discuss the various uses of data collection and how data can be used to reduce the impact on the environment. Students talked about Global warming, the emission of harmful gases from air conditioners, etc. Each team focused on one common use of electricity at home: Appliances, Refrigeration, Heating and Cooling and Lighting. They also delved into renewable and non-renewable sources of electricity. The teams collected data on the daily consumption of electricity at their homes and explored ways and means of reducing the everyday consumption. They recorded their finding on Padlet. After measuring their current use of electricity, students created a survey to collect data on energy use. Students developed the knowledge of forming and conducting a survey apart from growing in confidence needed to ask pertinent questions in a survey.

The students illustrated and analysed the results via frequency distribution tables and bar graphs. The findings of the survey were presented through a simple graphical representation. Students also made posters to create awareness.

Project Culmination

The teams came together to create a video presentation in which the students explained the analysis of the bar graph and results of their study.

Teacher Reflection

The students had an opportunity to understand how their everyday activities use electricity and to make the connection between surveyed behaviours and electricity consumption. The strategies discussed by the students to reduce electricity consumption displayed their understanding of how simple, everyday behaviours can both increase and decrease energy consumption. The analysis of the data collected showed that the learning objectives have been achieved.