FINAL PROJECTS
Throughout the unit, the students have learned about the advantages and disadvantages of the various energy sources. Therefore, their final projects will allow them to integrate what they have learned and apply it to both an imaginary city that they create through an interactive online game, as well write actual letters to their own state and city officials suggesting practical changes that can be made to improve energy efficiency in their city and state.
To begin this lesson, review the principle that energy decisions are influenced by economic, political, environmental, and social factors. Furthermore, they are made on many levels, such as personal (what temperature to set the thermostat), regional (availability of different types of energy and blending of energy sources to meet demand), national (renewable energy policy), and international (oil import/export policies). For this portion of the lesson, follow the guidelines provided by the Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network (CLEAN) website.
The students will then participate in an online game "Plan It Green: The Big Switch" This online game allows the student to build their own city and make decisions in regards to energy use – its sources, conservation and efficiency. The students are able to see how their choices affect the city. The game can be set up for individual play, small group, or whole class play for the middle school classroom.
According to the website, while playing the game, the students will
- Build new energy technologies and advance energy research.
- Acquire points based on eco-friendliness, energy production, citizen happiness, and more.
- Compete with other "mayors" for the highest city rating.
- Tackle challenging quests and earn rewards for outstanding achievements.
- Advance through game levels by exploring and building a diverse energy portfolio.
- Join a circle of friends and participate in group quests.
The teacher guide, entitled "Plan It Green: The Big Switch Educator Guide", explains the role of the facilitator; explains game play setup for independent play, small group and whole class play; provides background information and discussion questions for both during game play and after game play; provides activity suggestions for before, during, and after game play; and provides national standards and principles fulfilled by the activity.
(Alternately, instead of playing this online game solely at the end of the unit, it can also be played weekly throughout the unit. After each game play, the students should take notes about the decisions that they made and why. This will help them with their final reflection paper. By playing this game weekly, the students will look forward to it and the game will enhance their understanding and application of the individual lessons.)
Upon completion of the game, students will write a reflection on the city they created, explain what energy choices they made and why. They also discuss any challenges/obstacles that they encountered during the game play and describe any decisions that they would make differently next time.
LETTER TO CITY AND STATE OFFICIALS
The students will also research energy usage in the state of Illinois, as well as their school's city, building on the knowledge that they have already learned through the previous lessons. The students will divide into groups of four or five and write a letter to their state and city officials describing suggestions for more efficient energy usage and how to implement these suggestions. The students will read their letters and present their suggestions to the class before the letters are submitted.
RESOURCES
For a information book from the US department of energy for middle school students, click here. It contains basic information for each energy source (about two pages on each).
For the activity book that goes with it, click here. It contains worksheets and crossword puzzles.
City of Chicago webpage for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, click here
Chicago Climate Action Plan, click here
Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, click here
Choose Energy website determines the lowest local energy rates and compares prices with the various energy sources. For the Illinois webpage, click here
Illinois Coal Association website, click here