This curriculum unit is was created for educators of middle school students to teach about energy sources within a science classroom. It is designed for Illinois students in a city/suburban environment, however, it can be used by any school that has computer and internet resources for its students (preferably for each student).
Within this curriculum unit, the students will learn about the different sources of energy and how each is created (solar, wind, fossil fuel, nuclear, etc). They will also learn the advantages and disadvantages of using the different sources of energy. Finally, the students will develop energy awareness and apply the knowledge learned to conserve energy within their community, making suggestions for improvements in energy efficiency.
Within this six week unit, the students will learn about the various energy sources, studying their environment and making suggestions to improve energy efficiency. They will do a home energy audit, make suggestions for alternative fuel and transportation technology, investigate the issues associated with wind turbines and solar panels within the Chicago area, and study the impact of nuclear power plants in Illinois. At the end of the unity, they will also write a letter to both state and city officials with suggestions to improve energy efficiency, along with why and how to make these changes.
Developing energy awareness in our youth is important because we need to prepare them for the future that they will inherit. Teaching with a social justice approach will provide our students with real world application of the knowledge they are learning, giving them the skills and resources that they will need to be tomorrow's decision makers.
This curriculum unit was created as a social justice class project by a student pursuing a degree in education.
It has not been tested in classroom. Therefore, feedback and suggestion are encouraged on the contact page.
Within this curriculum unit, the students will learn about the different sources of energy and how each is created (solar, wind, fossil fuel, nuclear, etc). They will also learn the advantages and disadvantages of using the different sources of energy. Finally, the students will develop energy awareness and apply the knowledge learned to conserve energy within their community, making suggestions for improvements in energy efficiency.
Within this six week unit, the students will learn about the various energy sources, studying their environment and making suggestions to improve energy efficiency. They will do a home energy audit, make suggestions for alternative fuel and transportation technology, investigate the issues associated with wind turbines and solar panels within the Chicago area, and study the impact of nuclear power plants in Illinois. At the end of the unity, they will also write a letter to both state and city officials with suggestions to improve energy efficiency, along with why and how to make these changes.
Developing energy awareness in our youth is important because we need to prepare them for the future that they will inherit. Teaching with a social justice approach will provide our students with real world application of the knowledge they are learning, giving them the skills and resources that they will need to be tomorrow's decision makers.
This curriculum unit was created as a social justice class project by a student pursuing a degree in education.
It has not been tested in classroom. Therefore, feedback and suggestion are encouraged on the contact page.