National Science Standards

Science as Inquiry: Content Standard A:
All students should develop:

Abilities to do scientific inquiry

Life Science: Content Strand C:
All students should develop an understanding of:

Interdependence of organisms
Matter, energy, and organization in living systems

Science in Personal and Social Perspectives: Content Standard F:
All students should develop understanding of:

Natural resources
Environmental quality
Natural and human-induced hazards
Science and technology in local, national, and global changes

Learning Objectives

Each student will:

Identify at least 8 natural resources.
State the difference between a renewable and non-renewable resource.
Classify each resource as renewable or non-renewable.
Identify advantages and disadvantages of at least 8 resources.

Background Information, Vocabulary and Materials

Background Information

In this lesson we want to introduce energy sources and look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of each. Ten major energy sources will be introduced and used in a game format using the Great Energy Debate Game*. Read through the game materials to familiarize your self with it.

Vocabulary

Materials

The Great Energy Debate Game* (1.8 Mb pdf)

Lesson Procedures

Presenting the Information

Introduce The Great Energy Debate Game at the beginning of class. Alternatively, introduce the game at the end of the period before and assign the energy source research from the game for homework (this solution will allow more time for the actual game in class).

Student Practice / Activity

Play The Great Energy Debate Game and have students discuss positives and negatives of renewable and nonrenewable sources of energy.

[Optional: students write a position paper on the use of renewable/nonrenewable sources of energy and the effect on the community, including environmental as well as economic implications.]

Feedback

Take several minutes to review the game using Step 5 questions from The Great Energy Debate Game.

Handouts and Worksheets

The Great Energy Debate Game (1.8 M .pdf)
Note: A better quality electronic file should be available soon.

Critierion-Referenced Test

This material part of final test. See Testing Blueprint in Teacher's Guide for details.

*The Great Energy Debate Game
The NEED Project
PO Box 2518
Reston, VA 20195
(800) 875-5029
www.need.org

Individual pages from this web site may be printed and duplicated for
student classroom use provided that proper credit is given to
the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC).