Light Bulb Challenge

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In this activity, learners explore the difference between compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs and traditional incandescent bulbs. Learners examine which light bulbs are more energy efficient by conducting experiments at three stations.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • incandescent bulb, any wattage
  • 2 desk lamps, shade included
  • 2 tbsp. cooking oil
  • 2 droppers
  • half-sheets of plain paper
  • 2 rulers
  • 2 sets of 2 books of equal thickness
  • 2 stopwatches or clock
  • paper and pencils
  • thermometer (optional)
  • compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb with equivalent light output as incandescent bulb
  • calculator (optional)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Electrical Engineering
      • Environmental Engineering
    • Technology
  • Physical Sciences
    • Heat and Thermodynamics
      • Heat and Temperature
      • Heat Transfer
    • Energy
  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
  • The Nature of Science
    • Science and Society
      • Risks and Benefits
    • The Scientific Process
  • The Nature of Technology
    • Technology and Society
      • Impacts of Technology
      • Technology and the Environment

Informal Categories

  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Uses STEM to solve real-world problems
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Culture, ethnicity, and gender

  • Girls

    • Explicity developed for this group
    • Acknowledges this group's contributions to STEM
    • Highlights STEM opportunities for this group
    • Identifies role models or mentors in STEM fields from this group
    • Uses inclusive images of people from this group

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Twin Cities Public Television, Inc., 2010

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation, 0813519
  • ExxonMobil