ESCI D.S5.O2.A4 Role of Scientists in Resource Use
- Due No Due Date
- Points 14
- Submitting a text entry box or a file upload
How much energy can you save?
By turning off the lights, keeping rooms at a reasonable temperature in summer and winter, driving a fuel-efficient car or taking the bus, and many other things, society can save a lot of energy. By saving energy we reduce the financial and environmental costs of collecting that energy and the pollution and greenhouse gases that come from using that energy. In all, it's a win-win situation!
Energy Conservation
What benefits are there from energy conservation? Conserving energy means that less energy is needed, which reduces costs, ensures that non-renewable energy sources will last longer, and reduces political and environmental impacts.
What are the two ways that energy can be conserved? (1) Use less energy, and (2) use energy more efficiently.
The pie chart (Figure below Links to an external site.) shows how energy is used in the United States.
Almost one-half of the energy used in the United States is for transportation and home use. This means individual choices can make a big impact on energy conservation.
Table below Links to an external site. shows some ways that people can decrease energy use and use energy more efficiently in transportation, residences, industries, and office settings.
| Where Energy is Used | How We Can Use Less Energy | How We Can Use Energy More Efficiently |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation | Ride a bike or walk instead of taking a car. | Increase fuel efficiency in cars. |
| Reduce the number of trips you make. | Buy and drive smaller cars. | |
| Use public transportation. | Build cars from lighter and stronger materials. | |
| Drive at speeds at or below 90 kilometers per hour (55 miles per hour). | ||
| Residential | Turn off lights when not in a room. | Replace old appliances with newer more efficient models. |
| Only run appliances when necessary. | Insulate your home. | |
| Unplug appliances when not in use. | Make sure windows and doors are well sealed. | |
| Wear a sweater instead of turning up heat. | Use LED bulbs if available, or compact fluorescent light bulbs (and dispose of properly!). | |
| Use fans instead of turning down air conditioner. | ||
| Engage in activities that do not involve electronics. | ||
| Rely on sunlight instead of artificial light. | ||
| Industrial | Recycle materials like soda cans and steel. | Practice conservation in factories. |
| Reduce use of plastic, paper, and metal materials. | Reuse materials. | |
| Design equipment to be more efficient. | ||
| Commercial (businesses, shopping areas, etc.) | Turn off appliances and equipment when not in use. | Use fluorescent lighting. |
| Set thermostats to automatically turn off heat or air conditioning when buildings are closed. |
Using less energy, or using energy more efficiently, will help conserve our energy resources. Since many of the energy resources we depend upon are non-renewable, we need to make sure that we waste them as little as possible.
Energy saving tips from the U.S. Department of Energy:http://www.energy.gov/energytips.htm Links to an external site..
The U.S. Department of Energy has a video to let you know how a home energy audit will help you to make your home more energy efficient. Be sure to follow links to the "Do it yourself" page. http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/energy_audits/index.cfm/mytopic=11160 Links to an external site.
Summary
- Conserving energy is cleaner and cheaper than finding new energy.
- To conserve energy, use less energy and be more efficient about the energy you use.
- There are many ways to conserve energy in your own life, such as walking or taking the bus, wearing a sweater instead of turning up the heat, etc.
Your Assignment: Use this resource to answer the questions that follow.
ESCI D.S5.O2.A4 BASF Video-Energy efficiency-The World in 2030 VID Links to an external site.
BASF Video: Energy efficiency -- The World in 2030
Links to an external site.
- What will the population be in 2030?
- How much will our energy demands increase by 2030?
- What is energy efficiency?
- How can industries optimize their energy efficiency?
- What can be done to make vehicles more efficient?
- How effective can using energy efficiently be?
- Why is conservation the best way to stretch our energy resources?
- List some ways that society can conserve energy.
- How do scientists and research help inform us of energy use and conservation? (2 points)
Rubric
Find Rubric
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1 point per question answered correctly
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This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome
ESCI.S5.O2.00 Describe how humans depend on Earth's resources.
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3.0 pts
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Total Points:
14
out of 14
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