Energy Efficiency

Sustainability Education Resources

Energy Quiz (Ecokids)

Topic/Subtopic:Energy Efficiency/Energy Sources

Content Type: Game

Topics Covered: This online quiz teaches students about different sources of energy, greenhouse gases, and global warming.

Target Audience: Grades K-5, 6-8

Green Yards for Green Homes (ConEdison, New York)

Topic/Subtopic: Energy Efficiency

Content Type: Video

Topics Covered: Trees and landscaped areas can be arranged to provide shade to your home during hot summer months while allowing sunlight and passive solar heating during the winter. These practices reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool homes. 

Target Audience: Grades K-5, 6-8

Hogbusters Training Camp (Energyhog.com)

Topic/Subtopic: Energy Efficiency

Content Type: Game

Topics Covered: In this online game, children learn what activities and appliances in their homes use the most energy. In order to get rid of the mean energy hogs, they must discover how to use less energy.  

Target Audience: Grades K-5, 6-8

NEED Curriculum Guides (National Energy Education Development Project)

Topic/Subtopic: Energy Efficiency

Content Type: Curriculum

Topics Covered: The NEED Project has compiled a library of classroom activities and teaching materials to educate students about energy conservation, renewable energies, and the problems associated with fossil fuel dependence. 

Target Audience: Grades K-5, 6-8, 9-12

The Big Energy Gamble (NOVA)

Topic/Subtopic: Energy Efficiency

Content Type: Classroom Activity

Topics Covered: This classroom activity requires students to evaluate the energy use in their own homes and determine how much carbon dioxide their residence is adding to the atmosphere. Then, each student is asked to make recommendations for how to reduce their home’s carbon footprint.

Target Audience: Grades K-5, 6-8

e2 – The Green Apple (PBS)

Topic/Subtopic: Energy Efficiency

Content Type: Video

Topics Covered: New York City consumes less energy per capita than any other city in America. This video examines how designers are making buildings more energy efficient.

Target Audience: Grades 6-8, 9-12

Green Roofs: Saving the Planet One Building at a Time (Chloe Seddon)

Topic/Subtopic: Energy Efficiency/Green Roofs

Content Type: Video

Topics Covered: In Europe, green roofs have been built for centuries to the benefit of both people and the environment. This video explains how green roofs conserve energy, create habitats, and provide space for outdoor living. 

Target Audience: Grades 6-8, 9-12

Tree Care – Using Trees to Save Energy (Monkey See Videos)

Topic/Subtopic: Energy Efficiency

Content Type: Video

Topics Covered: Energy efficient landscape design can help reduce energy consumption for homes and buildings. This video highlights the basics for choosing and locating different vegetation types.

Target Audience: Grades 6-8, 9-12

Passive Solar Glass Home: Watching the Sun Move (Fair Companies)

Topic/Subtopic: Energy Efficiency/Passive Solar

Content Type: Video

Topics Covered: This passive solar home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina is designed for maximum energy efficiency. By placing trees for shading, orienting windows for winter solar access, and incorporating thermal-storing materials, this home remains at a comfortable temperature throughout the year with minimal heating and no air conditioning.

Target Audience: Grades 6-8, 9-12

The Green Wall (Stephanie Brothers)

Topic/Subtopic: Energy Efficiency

Content Type: Video

Topics Covered: For urban residents without space for gardening, a green wall provides a viable alternative. Green walls can improve energy efficiency by cooling the ambient air temperatures and blocking harsh summer sunlight.

Target Audience: Grades 6-8, 9-12