This German Village Managed to Go Off Grid
Videos
Grades6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12Civics, Engineering
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Provided by Deutsche Welle
What it is
- 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.
Teaching tips
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.
From the scientist review
This video discusses Feildheim, a German village that uses renewable energy to completely power itself. Feildheim also produces its own heat. The video discusses how the residents were able to work together to achieve these goals, some of the barriers they faced, and how the village is doing now. The video is a good example of climate solutions and can easily fit into discussions about renewable energy and climate. The information presented is accurate and this resource is recommended for teaching.
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