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CIS Secondary Library: Y9 Science The Energy Efficiency of "Things"

Assessment (Criteria D) Details

Focus Question: “Are new technologies really more energy-efficient than conventional technologies? Does the fad live up to the facts?”

Technologies are being designed and improved to make existing machines and appliances more efficient. We should consider the advantages and disadvantages when considering purchasing new technologies. 

Efficiency relates to how effectively the input energy can “transform” to a different form of useful energy. Identifying the input and output energies as well as the “non-useful” forms that are also produced by the technology is a good starting point. Make sure that you address the energy efficiency gains associated with using a new technology in your article.

For a new technology that is currently topical issues (e.g. electric vehicles vs fossil fuel vehicles, solar power for electricity for our homes, LED lighting compared with currently used lights, etc.) there are pros and cons that should be highlighted and considered. Obviously, the efficiency of technology will be influenced by the criterion that is being used. So it becomes important to clearly identify the criteria you use in your article and the supporting evidence that allows you to formulate a conclusion.

Your article should include the science of how the technology works, diagrams, pictures, data tables, graphs, charts, etc that contain evidence that supports your argument and narrative. All of your evidence should be “woven” into and clearly linked to your narrative so that its presence and meaning is clear to the reader.

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