Reason of Fuel Hiking

JUST THINK OVER

• What is the environment? Why is the global environment so important?
• Can you name 10 different ways we use fuel or electricity every day?
• What are ways that we could save fuel or electricity?
• What does it mean to say that the U.S. is currently dependent on other nations for our petroleum?
• How has transportation changed over the centuries?
• What kind of fuel do most cars use today?
• Are there different ways to power cars? Can you name any alternative sources of fuel?
• Why don't more cars run on alternative fuel sources?
• What do you think would be the best way to power a car?
• How would the engine work?
• Do you think cars will be the same when you're old enough to drive? How will they be different?

Earth Day Discussion

• Can one person make a difference when it comes to helping the environment?
• Can you name any well-known heroes who work to make a difference? (Answers might include Rachel Carson, Mardy Murie, or Gaylord Nelson.)
• Can you name environmental heroes you know personally?
• What is Earth Day? Is it something that is celebrated only in the United States?
• What do people do on this day?
• What can you do to make a difference? How about your school? Your family?
• How can every day be like Earth Day?
• Is there a way you can help spread the message about helping the environment?
• What is an alternative fuel source? Can you name three?
• Why are many alternative fuel sources better options for the planet?

Write important numbers on the blackboard to provide students with this background information:

• According to a study at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, there are about 3 to 4.5 million traffic signals operating in the United States. Each one uses around 990 kilowatt-hours of electricity a year. Together, they consume almost 3 billion kilowatt-hours.
• About 1.4 million tons of coal is needed to generate that much electricity.
• A 100-watt light bulb uses 0.1 kilowatt-hours an hour.

Ask:

• How many days could you light a 100-watt bulb using the same amount of energy a traffic signal uses in a year?
• How long could you light the same bulb with the amount of energy used by all the traffic lights?
• If your math book weighs a pound, how many math books would it take to equal the same weight as 1.4 million tons of coal?
• Do you think we need traffic signals? Is there a different way of controlling traffic?
• Can you think of an alternative source of energy for the traffic signals?
• How can you let your community leaders know about your ideas?

Wrap up:

• Explain that some communities have switched from using incandescent traffic lights to LEDs (light-emitting diodes). LEDs can cut energy consumption by up to 90 percent.

Extension:

• Sacramento County in California has a plan to replace lights at more than 100 intersections with LEDs. This could save the county $67,000 in just one year.
• Ask students to research traffic lights in their communities. Do the signals use incandescent lights or LEDs?