This German Village Managed to Go Off Grid
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Provided by: Deutsche Welle|Published on: February 26, 2025
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Synopsis
- This video from Deutsche Welle is 8 minutes and 30 seconds long and tells the story of the German village of Feildheim and their path to going off-grid and for energy production.
- Students will learn about how community members collaborated to create their own grid, powered it using windmills, solar panels, and biofuels, and reduced the cost of energy for the citizens.
Subjects: Civics, Engineering
Authors: Deutsche Welle
Region: Europe
Languages: English, Spanish, German
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This video is an excellent example of community collaboration and buy-in for climate solutions.
- Students will be inspired by the story of this self-proclaimed rebellious community.
Prerequisites
- Students should understand what renewable energy is.
- Students should also know what it means to reduce emissions and how clean energy sources contribute to this goal.
Differentiation & Implementation
- During the parts with the English subtitles for the German speakers, some students may benefit from pausing or slowing the video to read.
- After watching the segments about wind and solar in the village, students can compare the benefits and drawbacks of each. The resource Wind, Solar, and Climate Change includes a lesson plan that can help facilitate this discussion.
- Teachers can reference the section of the video about job growth and discuss green careers associated with renewable energy. The resources Energy Engineer, Climbing Wind Turbines for a Living, and Clean Energy Careers in Solar Energy help to illustrate different careers that may be present in places like Feildheim.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
