How Do We Evaluate Energy Sources?

Design a 50 Year Energy Plan
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Intended Grade Level(s):
9-12
Energy Content:
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Sources of Energy
Learning Goal(s):

1. Students will develop models of the interaction between atmospheric composition and surface temperature using simple diagrams.
2. Students will reflect on the impact of energy sources and power production on the environment. 

Unit:
50 Year Energy Plan
Lesson Number:
5
Pedagogy & Practice:
Group Work/Collaboration,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
2: Developing and Using Models
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ESS1-4,
HS-ESS3-2,
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Social Sciences: Geography
Estimated Activity Length:
0 sec
Relevant Common Core Standard(s):
11-12.WHST.7
Files Associated with this Activity:
PDF icon 50 Year Energy Plan - Lesson 5.pdf
PDF icon Alternate - Quiz on the Basic Physics of Climate Science.pdf
PDF icon Key for Quiz on the Basic Physics of Climate Science.pdf
PDF icon Quiz on the Basic Physics of Climate Science.pdf
PDF icon Sankey Manipulative Diagram for Climate Change Graphic.pdf
Description:

Building on student’s understanding of energy production methods developed over previous lessons, Lesson 5 asks the class to identify and measure trade-offs between environmental impacts – human needs – and practical costs of different power generation methods to help inform their capstone project to create a 50-year Energy plan for their community. As a class, students engage in a brainstorming session to deliberate what factors should be included in their evaluation rubric. After their brainstorming session, educators carry out a lesson looking at the natural functions of multiple Earth Systems, as well as modern energy generation’s impact on those systems - including climate. From this, students develop models that demonstrate the flow of Carbon on Earth and use that knowledge to inform their capstone projects.