OBJECTIVE
The student understands the need for protection of the natural systems of the Earth and that people influence the quality of life of those around them.

TIME
3-5 class periods

MATERIALS
The Web site Watts New - The Return of Watts on Your Mind provides teachers with a comprehensive program that includes animated television specials, mall posters, and in-class materials, or you can download an Acrobat pdf activity pack.

Done in the Sun:  Solar Projects for Children
by Anne Hillerman
Sunny Day
marshmallows
chocolate squares
muffin tin
foil and paper baking cups
Vanilla Wafers

VOCABULARY
Conservation, energy, solar, consequences - use glossary at The Learning Center

PROCEDURE

1. The teacher will read the stories  Devoured By The Dark   by  Patti Berg, Susanne Garfield & Rob Schlichting and Inside Artwork by Luong Tam Design  at Energy Education. This story has 12 short chapters.

2.  Discuss story map with students and the problem in the story.

3.  Discuss the importance of conserving energy and what can be some consequences.

4.  Discuss ways in which we can conserve energy.

5.  Students will explore at the following sights:
      Energy Education
      Kid Zone - Energy
      Watts New


6.  Students will develop a questionnaire on energy conservation to take poll amongst epals.  They will e-mail questionnaire to epals at Classroom Exchange at EPals

7.  When poll has been taken, each group will create a graph to show their data.

8.  Click on Plans and Recipes at Solar Cooking The students will read about how sunlight or solar energy can be used to cook food which helps to conserve electrical energy.

9. The students will work in groups to make  an electrifying dessert.

10. The students will read and follow the directions to making a solar warmer.

11. Then they will follow the recipe on how to make the treat using the solar warmer.

12. The student will observe and record what happens.

13.  Enjoy!

14. The student will print the Declaration of Energy Independence at Energy Education.

15.  The whole class will have a special ceremony in which the Declaration of (Energy) Independence will be read and everyone will sign their document.
 

ONGOING ACTIVITIES
    a.  "Watt's Your Message?" The student will create an advertising message on conserving energy. They will present their advertisement through a poster, TV or radio commercial or
        slide show using ClarisWorks or PowerPoint.
    b.  Scavenger Hunt (finding answers to questions and copying and pasting pictures to create the collage).
    c.  Writing responses in Science Journals to experiment observations and other information researched that day.
 

HOME LEARNING
The student will go to Watts New and Print Activity 3 "What is wrong with this picture?"  The Student will complete and color printout Activity 3 Grade 4-6 (can be done by grades 2-3)