This document outlines a challenge-based learning example for teaching students about energy conservation. It presents the big idea of energy conservation and essential questions for students to consider. The challenge asks students to create a plan to more efficiently use energy resources at home or school. The document provides guiding questions, activities, and resources for students to research energy usage and alternative energy sources. It presents a sample solution of five easy ways to save energy every day. Finally, it discusses assessing student projects and sharing them through online tools.

1. Challenge Based Learning: A Step-by-Step Example Randy Rodgers Walden University Image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/teampltw/5124724001/sizes/z/

2. The Big Idea Energy Conservation

3. Essential Questions What types of energy resources do we consume? What activities use the most energy? What are some alternative energy sources? How can we use energy more efficiently? What might be the consequences of using energy resources inefficiently? How do I personally use energy resources wastefully?

4. The Challenge Create a plan to more efficiently use energy resources. Image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rhaaga/3054077239/sizes/s/

5. Guiding Questions What daily activities use energy resources? How can I calculate how much energy I use? How do I waste energy? What activities could be done in a way that uses less energy? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

6. Guiding Activities Play the Energy Hog game: http://www.energyhog.org/childrens.htm Play Energyville: http://willyoujoinus.com/energyville/ EcoKids website and games: http://www.ecokids.ca/pub/index.cfm Calculate your carbon footprint: http://calc.zerofootprint.net/youth/ Brainstorm every activity you do in a week that uses energy resources.

7. Guiding Resources Explaining alternative energy resources to kids Kids saving energy Renewable energy fact sheets Renewable and non-renewable energy sources Energy sources What is wasting energy in your home right now? How to save energy at home

8. The Solution 5 Easy Ways to Save Energy Every Day Recycle Turn off or unplug electric appliances when not in use Adjust the thermostat Take short showers instead of long baths Spend less time watching television or using the computer Image source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/shootina710is/2068253066/sizes/s/

9. Assessment Create a project rubric to give students a clear picture of what is expected of their project. Rubistar is a handy online tool for creating and sharing assessment rubrics.

10. Publication Possible tools to share student products with a global audience: Blogs Wikis Class websites Online digital narrative tools (e.g. VoiceThread, YouTube, etc.)

11. For More Information Detailed instructions, examples, and lesson plans are available through Apple’s Challenge Based Learning website:http://ali.apple.com/cbl/