Conducting a Student Led School Energy Audit

This lesson is designed to build students’ competencies in the following skills:

• critical thinking
• collaboration
• initiative
• leadership
• problem-solving

Australian Curriculum (v9.0) content description:

Year 7, Science

• examine how proposed scientific responses to contemporary issues may impact on society and explore ethical, environmental, social and economic considerations (AC9S7H03)

Year 8, Science

• examine how proposed scientific responses to contemporary issues may impact on society and explore ethical, environmental, social and economic considerations (AC9S8H03)

Year 9, Science

• examine how the values and needs of society influence the focus of scientific research (AC9S9H04)

Year 10, Science

• examine how the values and needs of society influence the focus of scientific research (AC9S10H04)

General capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking, Digital Literacy, Numeracy

Syllabus outcomes:

• SC4-2VA shows a willingness to engage in finding solutions to science-related personal, social and global issues, including shaping sustainable futures
• SC5-2VA shows a willingness to engage in finding solutions to science-related personal, social and global issues, including shaping sustainable futures

Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability

Relevant parts of Year 7 - 10 achievement standards: Students identify the factors that can influence the development of scientific responses and how these responses impact society.

Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. 

• Target 7.3 - By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency

• Clipboards, pencil and energy audit worksheets (1 per group)
• Student worksheet (1 per student)

We have joined forces with Smart Ease to craft these educational materials.

Leveraging their expertise and knowledge, we've designed curriculum-aligned learning resources to empower your school in understanding energy usage. These resources aim to assist schools in adopting sustainable solutions for reducing their environmental impact.

Smart Ease has supported thousands of organisations, businesses, and schools in decarbonising and digitizing their operations through innovative funding solutions.

This partnership with Cool.org is an initiative under Smart Ease's 1% for the Planet program, showcasing their dedication to educating the upcoming generation about sustainable practices.

Level of teacher scaffolding: Medium - scaffolding student-led investigation and inquiry

How to Teach Science More Effectively

This course will help teachers better understand and apply evidence-based tools for effective science teaching including using practical work and models to engage students in science learning and enable their understanding of scientific concepts.