How much energy does our school use?

This lesson is one in a series that supports and guides pupils through an energy audit of their school.

The aim of the project is to reduce the schools consumption of energy by cutting down on energy waste and in so doing save the school money on its energy bills. You may wish to adapt it depending on the size of your school, the number of pupils and the length of time you wish your audit to cover.

Note: This lesson is a data gathering exercise. The accuracy of the data is vital to calculate an accurate energy audit of your school.

Learning objectives

To understand that energy is supplied to schools, homes and businesses by power companies and that it is paid for in the form of an energy bill.
To collect and decipher numerical data in the form of energy bills.
To examine how we might carry out an energy audit of the school.

Curriculum links
England (KS2)	Science: Sc1 1b, 2a Geography: 5b PSHE: 2a, 5a Citizenship: 2a, d, j, 5a, c, d
Scotland (P1 – P7)	5-14 Guidelines Environmental studies – level C Technology: resources and how they are managed Social and environmental responsibility – all levels Skills: preparing for a task (level A-C) 3-18 Curriculum for Excellence Science: Planet Earth: Sustainability, Climate and earth sciences Energy in the environment: Energy transfer Social studies: People, place and environment
Wales (KS2)	New KS2 from Sep 08 Science: Scientific enquiry: The nature of science 3 Communications in science 6 Investigative skills 1, 3 Geography: Themes 1, 2 PSE: Skills: Thinking, communication, ICT, number Working with others: Range: Active Citizenship Sustainable development and global citizenship