Understanding and Sustaining a Biodiverse Planet- Renewable Sources of Energy
Standards
- 5th grade earth and space science standards. Obtain and combine information from various sources about ways individual communities use science ideas to protect the Earth’s resources, environment, and systems and describe examples of how American Indians use scientific knowledge and practices to maintain relationships with the natural world 5-ESS3–1. NGSS Identifier
Article
NorthWestern Energy gets pass on Montana law requiring support of small renewable energy projects
The article discusses how Northwestern Energy has been neglecting the use of renewable energy projects. At first glance the students will look at the article and write down three misunderstandings their classmates might have about it (10 seconds of looking at the article). The students will exchange their misunderstandings with their classmates. Once the article has been read and explained by the teacher, the students will circle the misunderstandings that they are not confused about, highlight the misunderstandings that they are comfortable with, and write down two questions that they would like to know more about. These pieces of paper will serve the purpose of pre-assessments and post-assessments. they will also give me ideas on how to begin teaching the lesson as well as who will need the most assistance. The article will serve as an introduction to renewable forms of energy and as an outline for the project associates with renewable energy.
Lesson
The students will look into renewable sources of energy in their community and the state. To support the renewable energy movement, the students will get into groups, research different methods of renewable energy, and become specialists with on their product. The students will then create a model to represent their work and present it through different stations set up by the teacher. The teacher can bring into the classroom, different sources of information such as: college students, environmental scientists, and engineers. The speakers would reinforce the importance of searching for renewable energy and how they, as members of the community, are working to make a difference in the environment.
Example
