Making Choices: Energy by the Numbers

In this lesson, students will consider the trade-offs of nine distinct energy sources most commonly used in the U.S. Students will first review and learn about each of these nine energy sources and evaluate their cost, reliability, and environmental impact. Then, they will learn how to read energy flow charts to understand the end-use dimensions of each source. Students will also compare and contrast energy flows of five states including New Jersey, exploring how each state’s geography and other factors impact their energy choices. Students will then examine how New Jersey’s energy mix has changed from 2000 to 2020 to determine how reliability, cost, and environmental impact have influenced energy decision making.

At the end of the lesson, students will draw on their knowledge to design an energy flow chart for New Jersey, based on their own priorities. Students will then present their designs, sharing the priorities and trade-offs that guided their thinking.