Activity Introduction

Quick summary: Working in groups, students build a pie chart that demonstrates the percentage of different energy sources used globally. They then put together a 2 minutes presentation about a specific energy source and present it to the class. Students build an understanding the long term viability of different energy sources energy taking into account the financial, environmental and ethical barriers to provide energy for the world’s population.

Learning goals for this activity include:

  • Recognise the impact of different uses of energy on our environment and economy.
  • Formulate energy solutions for the future.
  • Demonstrate ability to work collaboratively and fairly in problem-solving activities.
  • Demonstrate ability to research and compile information on issues.
  • Demonstrate ability to communicate lessons from research through class-wide debate.

Australian Curriculum Mapping

Content descriptions:

Year 9 Science

  • Use knowledge of scientific concepts to draw conclusions that are consistent with evidence (ACSIS170)

Year 9 English

  • Interpret, analyse and evaluate how different perspectives of issue, event, situation, individuals or groups are constructed to serve specific purposes in texts (ACELY1742)

Year 9 Mathematics

  • Identify everyday questions and issues involving at least one numerical and at least one categorical variable, and collect data directly from secondary sources (ACMSP228)

Year 10 Science

  • Use knowledge of scientific concepts to draw conclusions that are consistent with evidence (ACSIS204)

Year 10 English

  • Use comprehension strategies to compare and contrast information within and between texts, identifying and analysing embedded perspectives, and evaluating supporting evidence (ACELY1754)

Year 10 Mathematics

  • Evaluate statistical reports in the media and other places by linking claims to displays, statistics and representative data (ACMSP253)

Syllabus Outcomes: SC5-7WS, EN5-2A. 

Topic: Energy

Year levels: 9 and 10

Indoor or outdoor activity: Indoor

Time required: 60+ mins

Learning areas addressed: English, Geography, Science, Interpersonal Development, Sustainability.

Level of teacher scaffolding: This activity requires preparation from the teacher. In addition, the teacher will need to lead students in class discussion on energy use around the world.

Resources required: Student worksheet (hard copy), pens or pencils and internet or library access.

Homework and extension opportunities: This activity has set homework.

Cool Australia’s curriculum team continually reviews and refines our resources to be in line with changes to the Australian Curriculum.

Worksheets

Teacher Worksheet

Teacher preparation

Activity Instructions:

1. The pie chart below represents the total amount of the world’s energy currently being consumed. Your job is to divide up the pie chart into sections that shows your groups’ understanding of the percentage that each of the following energy sources contributes to the world’s energy supply: fossil fuel, nuclear, hydroelectric, geothermal, biomass, wind and solar. Make sure you create a key for your pie chart.

2. Students are to answer the following questions on the student worksheet:

  • How do your groups’ chart compare to the chart on the board?
  • Why are fossil fuels responsible for providing the bulk of the world’s energy?
  • What are the potential implications for our environment if the nature of energy production does not change?
  • Why do you think there has been so little investment and uptake of renewable energy sources around the world?

Class Presentation

To understand more about energy, your class groups can put together a sh

...
 
- or - to view worksheets

Student Worksheet

Activity Instructions:

1. The pie chart below represents the total amount of the world’s energy currently being consumed. Your job is to divide up the pie chart into sections that shows your groups’ understanding of the percentage that each of the following energy sources contributes to the world’s energy supply: fossil fuel, nuclear, hydroelectric, geothermal, biomass, wind and solar. Make sure you create a key for your pie chart.

2. Answer the following questions:

How do your groups’ chart compare to the chart on the board?

Why are fossil fuels responsible for providing the bulk of the world’s energy?

What are the potential implications for our environment if the nature of energy production does not change?

Why do you think there has been so little investment and uptake of renewable energy sources around the world?

Class Presentation

To understand more about energy, your group put together a short presentation on a specific energy source. Each group with be assigned one of

...
 
- or - to view worksheets

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