This course about different forms of energy presents the history of energy use, the many sources of energy available, the benefits of renewable energy, and the relative costs of each energy source.
It includes videos, worksheets, articles, reading guides, and activities.
Teaching Tips
Positives
After each activity, there is a section titled "Thinking Conceptually" where students are asked to reflect on a specific issue.
For each activity, the purpose, instructions, and process are given.
Additional Prerequisites
Teachers and students will need to set up an account using an email address in order to access the material.
This is part of a series of courses provided by OER.
The PDF worksheets are available for download to print off for students.
Students will need access to a computer and Internet connection to use the online features.
Differentiation
Middle school students will benefit from the summaries and guided reading sheets.
High school students could have discussions about the topics covered to gain additional understanding and insights.
Students could investigate how much biomass comes from standing trees (causing deforestation) or crops that require a significant amount of land, water, and fossil fuel-based fertilizers and pesticides vs. waste materials.
Energy conservation, better insulation, passive solar design/solar tubes, green roofs, and more efficient appliances could all be researched for their beneficial effects on reducing how much energy is required in the first place. Reducing energy waste is a solution that everyone can take part in and is relatively cheap compared to other options.
The resource explores the need for energy transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy sources. It will inspire students to design more efficient and sustainable energy solutions. There is no contradiction in the data as reported. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
HS-ESS3-4 Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
ETS1: Engineering Design
MS-ETS1-1 Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.
HS-ETS1-1 Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.
College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards
Dimension 2: Economics
D2.Eco.1.6-8 Explain how economic decisions affect the well-being of individuals, businesses, and society.
Common Core English Language Arts Standards (CCSS.ELA)
Reading: Science & Technical Subjects (6-12)
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.1 Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of science and technical texts.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.11-12.2 Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; summarize complex concepts, processes, or information presented in a text by paraphrasing them in simpler but still accurate terms.
