Home Energy Efficiency

• Energy efficiency starts with Project Learning Tree's Home Audit. Using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's emissions calculator (see Resources), determine your household's carbon footprint and plan changes your family can make for more efficient energy use. After a month, repeat the home audit and emissions calculator to document the results of your efforts for your science fair display.
  
  

Fuel Efficiency

• Science Buddies explains how fuel cells convert energy in chemicals to electricity. Local and online science supply stores can provide fuel cell components. A multimeter measures the fuel cell's input and output energy and using Efficient Mileage's formulas (see Resources), you can calculate your vehicle's engine efficiency. Compare efficiency ratings to determine which is the most environmentally friendly choice.
  
  

Solar Collector Efficiency

• Renewable Energy and Efficiency Education on Wheels details how to measure the sun's incoming radiation with a solar panel and solar meter and voltage output with a multimeter. Calculate the collector's efficiency with Science Buddies' equations (see Resources). Compare results under different light and weather conditions to determine the overall effectiveness of solar power.