America’s Most Wanted Energy Wasters

Wanted: Jeff Rodriguez!
	Jeff is wanted on several serious energy crimes. He continually leaves computers on for long periods of time, and often leaves lights on when he has left the room. He has failed, on many occasions to turn off the water when he was brushing his teeth. Any information that would result in punishment for his crimes would be greatly appreciated.

This game increases student’s awareness of their energy wasting habits and reinforces simple energy-saving behaviors.

TO BEGIN:

First, make a sample wanted poster. Get a camera and enough film for a picture of each student (another option is to have each student draw a picture of themselves. Other necessary items include an ink pad, paper, and markers or crayons.

THEN:

Explain the activity to the students. Show them the sample wanted poster (which is more effective if it contains your picture.) Take mug shots, or have students draw their own to generate enthusiasm.

BEGIN THE GAME:

Brainstorm with your students to produce a list of the common ways that they waste energy daily. For example:

* Leaving the TV on.

*Taking long (or too many) hot showers.

*Leaving the water running while brushing teeth/washing dishes.

*Leaving doors/windows open with the heat or AC on

*Leaving unnecessary lights on.

Then, brainstorm appropriate punishments for the crimes. For example, if a student leaves the TV on, he/she should be punished by skipping a favorite show.

Next, using the brainstormed list, have each student keep a daily record of the energy crimes he/she had committed over a certain time period.

When this time period is up, have students share their crime record by making wanted posters for themselves. Use a water-soluble ink pad to take fingerprints. Students should write their own crime descriptions using their daily crime records.