In this lesson, students use what they have learned about renewable energy to create their own plan to implement green energy in their community.
Step 1 - Inquire: Students watch the short video Can 100% Renewable Energy Power the World? and discuss their opinions regarding the viability of renewable energy completely powering their community.
Step 2 - Investigate: Students draw a map of their community, create a renewable energy plan, and complete calculations to maximize the production of solar, wind, and biomass energy.
Step 3 - Inspire: Students share their plans with the class through a gallery walk and have a final discussion about the viability of using renewable energy to fully power their community.
Positives
The lesson connects to students’ own communities.
Students are able to think critically about the viability of renewable energy.
Students engage with their community to find possible solutions and places for renewable energy.
Students are introduced to ideas of urban planning and community building.
Additional Prerequisites
This is lesson 5 of 5 in our 6th-8th grade Renewable Energy Algebra unit.
Students will need access to a device to view Google Maps.
Differentiation
Students can work in groups instead of individually.
Teachers can walk the class through creating the map of the community using Google Maps if technology access is an issue or to provide additional support to students if necessary.
Students can present their projects in small groups instead of doing the gallery walk.
The final activity where students create something to educate their community can be completed as homework.
Interdisciplinary connections can be made with Earth science, physical science, and engineering design.
This lesson stretches students' capability to compute and determine the type of renewable energy plan that is suitable for their community. The lesson would provide them with insights on how renewable energy access is important. They will be able to analyze the land size and energy output required to design specific renewable energy projects that would efficiently power the energy needs in their community. The lesson has passed our science credibility, and there is a high confidence in using it for teaching.
This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.