Link(s) to the Alberta Science Curriculum Outcomes:

• Decisions regarding scientific and technological development involve a variety of considerations, including social, environmental, ethical and economic considerations
• Analyze personal and public decisions that involve consideration of environmental impacts, and identify needs for scientific knowledge that can inform those decisions
• Defend a given position on an issue, based on their findings
• Demonstrate sensitivity and responsibility in pursuing a balance between the needs of humans and a sustainable environment

Brief Overview of the Lesson:

The students will pretend they are a new company building a factory. They will research the pros and cons of different kinds of renewable energy on the Internet. They will choose which form of energy to use and share the reasons for their choice with the class.

Estimated Time Required for Implementation:

One to two class periods

Materials Needed:

Computers

Suggested Implementation Strategy:

• Divide the class into groups.
• Ask the students to brainstorm the different kinds of renewable energy. Write their answers on the board.
• Tell the students that each group represents a new company that is planning on building a new factory. They must decide if they should install a geothermal heat pump, use solar panels on the roof, invest in a wind turbine, or use bio fuel to provide energy for their factory.
• Each group will research on the Internet the sources of renewable energy and decide which form of energy they should choose for their factory. The research should include the pros and cons of each form of energy and what factors they considered when making their choices.
• Each group will share their findings with the other groups.

Options for Consideration:

• The students could be asked to write a report of their findings.
• The students may be asked to research ahead of time the different kinds of renewable energy.

Extended Learning Opportunities:

• Play this Internet game to learn how energy efficient they are at home.
  http://www.ecokids.ca/pub/eco_info/topics/energy/energy_efficient/play_energyefficient.cfm
• Have the students investigate ways their school could save money on energy costs.
• Research Canadian companies that are already using forms of renewable energy.

Articles:

• http://www.davidsuzuki.org/issues/climate-change/science/energy/?gclid=CJ-53frOubYCFZE-Mgod8zMAWA
  David Suzuki Foundation
• http://canmetenergy.nrcan.gc.ca/home
  Natural Resources Canada
• http://www.re-energy.ca/teacher-materials
  Green Learning Canada – Teacher Resources