How do we energise our homes and country? - teacher notes

Teachers are provided with a structured approach to engage pupils in understanding how energy is used in homes and across the country. The lesson starts with a fundamental question about the nature of power. To build a foundation for the topic, students are directed to watch a BBC Bitesize video that explains what electricity is. This visual aid helps to clarify the concept and provides a common starting point for further discussion.

The lesson then moves to a practical task where pupils are asked to conduct an inventory of electricity usage in their homes during a specific hour. This hands-on activity not only makes students aware of their household's energy consumption but also encourages them to think critically about their personal energy use. The lesson expands to consider alternative forms of home energy, such as gas, oil, or solar power, highlighting the diversity of power sources. In groups, pupils investigate the extent of energy waste on a daily basis, using provided BBC Teach resources to guide their research. The activity culminates with pupils documenting their findings, fostering skills in research, collaboration, and communication. Through these activities, students gain insight into the importance of energy for both domestic and industrial purposes, and they are encouraged to reflect on energy conservation and efficiency.