This section examines fossil fuels, the different kinds of renewable and alternative energy sources, and the strengths and weaknesses of each energy source.
There is a table that compares energy sources, an interactive global map that displays the breakout of electric power consumption by energy type for various countries, a linked lesson plan for the entire module, and a linked discussion guide for higher education classes.
This is the sixth section of the World 101 Climate Change module.
Teaching Tips
Positives
The pie charts on the interactive map can be shared online or via email.
This section is well-organized and concise.
Additional Prerequisites
Students should know what greenhouse gases are, where they come from, and how they impact the planet.
The data isn't available for all of the countries on the map.
Differentiation
This section could supplement a classroom activity where students research how Americans feel about renewable energy.
This section could enhance a classroom discussion on the political obstacles that are hindering green energy production in America.
Teachers could go over the main idea of key paragraphs in order to ensure comprehension.
This section could support an in-depth lesson on the mechanics of various renewable/alternative energy technologies.
Scientist Notes
This website from World 101 and the Council on Foreign Relations provides a great resource for teachers looking to teach their students about sources of energy and moving towards clean energy. The site provides informative and interactive text that discusses the three main categories of energy sources: fossil fuels, alternatives, and renewables. Solar power harnesses the sun’s light directly into electricity when the sun is out. Wind power is created when the wind spins a turbine or a windmill located on land or offshore. Nuclear energy is produced at power plants by the process of fission. Also included in this resource is a lesson plan that includes discussions, handouts, and a presentation. This resource is well researched and encompasses everything a teacher would need to give a lesson on the effects of climate change.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
HS-ESS3-2 Evaluate competing design solutions for developing, managing, and utilizing energy and mineral resources based on cost-benefit ratios.
HS-ESS3-4 Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
Dimension 2: Economics
D2.Eco.3.9-12 Analyze the ways in which incentives influence what is produced and distributed in a market system.
Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
Reading: Informational Text (K-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.2 Determine two or more central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one another to provide a complex analysis; provide an objective summary of the text.
Common Core Math Standards (CCSS.MATH)
Statistics & Probability: Making Inferences & Justifying Conclusions (9-12)
CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSS.IC.B.6 Evaluate reports based on data.
