Take it Home
The Take It Home curriculum resources help students develop an awareness of energy consumption, energy efficiency and energy costs in the school and home.
The activities are based around the Home Energy Audit Toolkit (HEAT). This comes with equipment to help students undertake detective activities to look for clues on how energy is being wasted. Students are encouraged to plan and take action in practical ways to save energy.
HEAT Kit Hire form
About HEAT
Each HEAT contains:
- the Power-Mate, which measures the electricity consumption of all electrical appliances with a standard 3-pin plug. It is useful for measuring the electricity consumption of appliances such as fridges, televisions, microwaves and computers when they are in use and in standby
- an infrared radiometer to check for leaks around fridge doors. It can also be used to check the adequacy of ventilation behind the fridge/freezer, and the effectiveness of ceiling insulation
- a stopwatch to time the flow rate of hot water from showers and taps
- a compass that will help to identify the home's orientation for solar aspect considerations and hot water and electricity solar panels
- a thermometer to measure air temperature around the house, hot water systems, fridges and freezers
- supporting instructions and information sheets including case studies of retro-fitting two ordinary Tasmanian houses.
They provide instructions on how to use the tools included in the kit and suggestions for energy efficient actions for various appliances and/or activities.
Further information
HEAT was developed by the City of Hobart in collaboration with the Southern Tasmanian Councils Authority's Regional Climate Change Initiative.
The following documents are available in Word format so teachers can modify the materials to suit their teaching practice.
Take it Home Primary – Teacher Introduction(DOCX, 4MB)
Take it Home Primary – Using the Home Energy Audit Toolkit(DOCX, 1MB)
Take it Home Secondary – Investigating Energy(DOCX, 2MB)
Take it Home Primary – Home and School Energy Plan(DOCX, 2MB)
Also see examples of how teachers are using the Toolkits in their classrooms in our Take It Home case study.