Werklund School of Education

University of Calgary | Undergraduate Programs in Education

Lesson Overview

Dates March 2025 Subject Science / Environmental
Grade Level Grade 2 Length 60 Minutes
Unit Energy Exploration Lesson # 9
Teacher Lucas Johnson

Identify Desired Results

Learner Outcomes

  • Understand energy conservation as the act of reducing energy use.
  • Explain why conserving electricity is important for resources and the environment.
  • Identify practical energy-saving actions for school and home.

Objective (Student-Friendly)

  • I Know: We use electricity for almost everything we do.
  • I Understand: If we use too much, we run out of natural resources and hurt the Earth.
  • I Can: Teach others how to save energy.

Assessment Strategies

Formative:

  • Evaluate "Conservation Posters" for clear actions and valid reasons.
  • Observe role-play scenarios during the "Energy Saver" activity.
  • Class discussion on the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources.

Differentiated Learning & Resources

Resources

  • Scenario Cards (Empty room with lights on, etc.)
  • Poster paper & drawing materials
  • "Energy Audit" checklist template

Personalization

  • Challenge: Research local power sources (Coal vs. Wind).
  • Support: Provide pre-written slogans for posters.
  • Engagement: Perform short "skits" based on scenario cards.

Lesson Sequence

1. Hook: Electricity List (5 min)

  • Ask students to list things that use electricity. Write them on the board. Ask: "What happens if we use it all up?"

2. Explicit Instruction (10 min)

  • Non-Renewable: Stuff like coal or gas that takes millions of years to make. Once it's gone, it's gone.
  • Renewable: Energy from Sun or Wind that doesn't run out.
  • Conservation: Using less energy to save resources and stop Pollution.

3. Activity: Conservation Campaign (30 min)

  • Part 1: Scenario Sort: Discuss scenario cards (e.g., "sunny day, lights on"). Identify the saving action and the reason (save resources vs. stop pollution).
  • Part 2: Creative Design: Students create a "Class Energy Saver" poster with a slogan and a simple explanation.

4. Wrap-up and Reflection (15 min)

  • Energy Audit: Quick walk around the school to count "energy wins" (lights off in empty rooms).
  • Journal: "Write one thing you will do tonight to save energy at home."

Glossary

  • Conservation: Saving or using less of something.
  • Non-Renewable: Resources that take a long time to replace.
  • Pollution: Making air or land dirty and unhealthy.
  • Environment: The air, land, and animals around us.