Cool Energy

You will compare the energy efficiency of three different types of light bulbs (note: this lesson follows pages C-67 through C-70 of the Energy Text).

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Use the light meter to test whether LED, CFL and incandescent bulbs produce the same amount of light.

Use the "Kill-a-Watt" meter to test how many watts each bulb uses.

Use a thermometer at a set distance to see how much heat is produced. Control the following variables:

• same starting temperature of the thermometers,

• same distance from the lights,

• same brightness of light, and

• same amount of time before reading the temperature.

Use a control group to make sure that it is the light bulbs that are making the temperature rise. What can you do to make this control group?

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Complete pages 1-2 of the Cool Energy Assignment (including the written parts in your journal).

Light Bulb Advertisement Expectations:

• Name on front or back of project (no pencil)

• All words spelled correctly

• Colors: 2-4 (black and white ONLY with teacher approval as an art-concept)

• CLAIM: Name of light bulb promoted

• REASONS: 2 points about why your bulb should be bought (at least one factual and one emotional)

• Neatly done/no pencil showing

• On a 8.5” x 11” paper

• Pictures or designs to grab reader interest

Please view Past Light Bulb Advertisement Poster Samples.

Extension: Read the New York Times article "Light Bulbs that Help you Sleep."