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, exploring how each state’s geography and other factors impact their energy choices. Students will then examine how our 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 their state, based on their own priorities. Students will then present
their designs, sharing the priorities and trade-offs that guided their thinking.
The Details
Grades
6th - 8th Grade
Time Required
120-180 minutes
Materials
Part 1
- For each pair of students:
- Printed Energy Sort Cards cut out (students may also cut them before using)
- For the teacher:
- “Making Energy Choices” presentation (includes answer keys to card sorts and energy flow maps)
Part 2
- For each group of 3-4 students:
- Print Energy Flow Maps for Washington, California, Kentucky, and Iowa
- Examining Energy Flow Charts Student Worksheet
- For the teacher:
Next Generation Science Standards
Disciplinary Core Ideas
Cross-Cutting Concepts
- Patterns
- Systems & System Models
Learning Objectives
- Describe and evaluate the related costs, reliability, and climate impacts of the primary energy sources used in the United States
- Discuss the tradeoffs between cost, reliability, and climate impact that must be evaluated when designing an energy system to meet local needs
- Explain why energy systems are different across states and regions
