Did you know that switching just one classroom’s light bulbs to LEDs could save hundreds of dollars in energy costs over time? LEDs use up to 75% less energy than traditional bulbs and last significantly longer. This simple switch can make a big difference in both energy conservation and cost savings! Why not try your hat a light bulb investigation and take it even further.
What is the Light Bulb Investigation? A Place-Based Approach to Energy Savings
This activity engages students in place-based learning by analyzing the energy consumption of different light bulbs within their own school environment. By comparing incandescent, CFL, and LED bulbs, students will see firsthand how lighting choices impact energy use and advocate for more sustainable solutions—giving them a sense of student agency in their school’s energy decisions.
How to Conduct a Light Bulb Investigation: Empowering Student Agency
Compare Bulbs and Build Knowledge
Show students different types of light bulbs:
- Incandescent: Traditional but inefficient, converting most energy into heat.
- CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light): More efficient but contains small amounts of mercury.
- LED (Light-Emitting Diode): Uses up to 75% less energy and lasts much longer.
Discuss how each type works and compare their energy consumption, allowing students to develop awareness of how their own classroom lighting choices impact energy use.
Test the Difference Using Hands-On Data Collection
- Use a lux meter to measure the electricity consumption of each bulb type.
- Record the findings and discuss which bulb is the most energy-efficient.
- Connect findings to real-world solutions by considering how switching bulbs can impact the school’s overall energy use.
Make the Switch and Take Action
- If your classroom still uses incandescent bulbs, discuss advocating for a switch to LEDs.
- Encourage students to use their student agency to talk with school administrators about upgrading lighting as old bulbs burn out.
Discuss the Impact and Extend Learning Beyond the Classroom
- Have students calculate how much energy and money could be saved if every classroom in the school switched to LEDs.
- Extend the discussion by having students explore how LED lighting can benefit homes and communities, further promoting student agency in energy conservation.
Extend the Lesson
School-Wide Lighting Audit
Have students assess which areas of the school still use incandescent or CFL bulbs and create a proposal for LED upgrades, applying place-based problem-solving.
Home Energy Challenge
Encourage students to check what types of bulbs they use at home and calculate the potential savings of switching to LEDs—giving them student agency in making sustainable changes beyond the classroom.
Did You Know?
💡 If every school in America switched to LEDs, it could save the equivalent energy used by over 2 million homes annually!
Join the Movement to Save Energy
A Light Bulb Investigation is a fun, interactive way to integrate place-based learning and student agency into STEM education. By participating, students take ownership of their energy use and feel empowered to make real-world changes in their schools and communities.
Want to go even further? Join a Renew Our Schools competition today!
