Lesson Plan: Non-Renewable Energy

Objective To have students explore the differences between renewable and non-renewable energy sources and learn about how to promote the choices they make. Things to Keep in Mind When planning a lesson like this, consider a few simple steps from the beginning of setting up the lesson to the end result. 1. Get a reading of how much students understand about energy – one of the first things to pin down is that households use a certain kind of electrical energy as a resource – as opposed to more general ideas about what ‘energy’ is. 2. Students should be asked to think about how energy gets used in these scenarios (household and power grid) and what this means for the greater environment (e.g where power comes from) – this may require another mini-lecture on how the U.S. power grid works 3. Students should start thinking about how to make a case for certain kinds of energy for sale on the grid. Discussion To set up a student initiative project, first discuss with the class, then in groups, the relevant details.  Ask about what kinds of energy sources could be ‘better’ than others, and how they might be more sustainable. Then, when students have a vague outline of the kinds of energies that they feel have potential, direct them to some sources of information for more specific data. Sources Have students research government web sites including the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection’s Clean Energy Site: You can also direct students to other sites run by non-government agencies. Project: Energy Case Study Using information available from the above link and other sources, have students study what kinds of energy alternatives are available in their home state and how costs currently differ.  You may need to help in presenting comparisons that might be difficult to find; however, the EPA site contains some good energy cost calculations. Using these sources, have students prepare ten minute presentations on their ideas for the best energy choices, and challenge them to contrast costs per kilowatt hour versus sustainability. Follow Up Students can discuss in groups, and as homework, can interview family members or other people outside the classroom to see what other opinions exist in their communities.