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2. Energy

We cannot capture energy directly, we capture it through the changes it produces: the heat of a fire warms us, the light from a bulb lights a room.
Without energy life would not be possible. We need energy to grow, to move, to communicate, to make things, to light dark spaces, etc.
Anything that can be used to produce energy is a source of energy. Some sources can be used up: wood from forests or the oil under the Earth’s surface, for example. Others cannot be depleted: the light and heat from the sun or the force of the wind, for example. The energy sources that least damage the environment and society, such as solar, wind and hydraulic, are called clean energies.

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Identifying problems. Often, research starts when problems appear in things that had never before been questioned.

Choose a place to find out whether energy is used properly there.
(At home or at your school):

1.	Think about what questions might help us to identify problems. Examples:
	How much was spent on electricity last year? How much on gas? (Take an average.)
	Is it excessive? In which season was spending highest?
	What gas appliances are there? Which appliances work with electricity?
	Are they turned off when not in use?
	What types of light bulbs are used? What wattage? Is that wattage necessary?
	Are the lights left on in places where they are not needed?
2.	Think of some things that could be done to help reduce gas and electricity consumption.

Painting. Jakub Schikaneder, 1855-1924. Winter Afternoon in the City.

List at least three daily personal habits that could help save energy: for example, turning off the lights in rooms when they are not needed. Then, on the blackboard, the class comes to an agreement on a single list, rubbing out ideas that are the repeated. Finally everyone should try to act in accordance with what has been agreed.

Energy

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