Earth Hour - Climate Change and Renewable Energy - Year 6

Activity Introduction

Quick summary: In this activity students investigate the role of renewable energy in helping fight climate change. Students begin by briefly looking at what personal actions we can all take to fight climate change with a particular focus on the energy we use. Students then look at a range of renewable energy types and work in groups to investigate these in detail and present their research to the class, including how these types of energy will help to fight climate change. Finally, students are asked to reflect upon their learning with a short quiz.

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This activity has been created in partnership with WWF-Australia. Earth Hour is the world’s largest community-driven climate change campaign. At the centre of Earth Hour is switching off lights to show a commitment to taking action. Thousands of teachers use Earth Hour’s education program to enrich their curriculum and provide pathways for young people to create change in their world.

For the most up to date Earth Hour dates, times, and events, check here.

Learning goals:

Students understand the relationship between energy – in particular the type of energy – and climate change.
Students understand that there are a range of renewable energy technologies already available.
Students recognise the environmental benefits of renewable energy.
Students recognise personal actions that can be taken to fight climate change.

General capabilities: Literacy, ICT capability.

Cross-curriculum priority: Sustainability OI.1, OI.6, OI.8.

Australian Curriculum content description:

Year 6 Science

Energy from a variety of sources can be used to generate electricity (ACSSU219)
Scientific knowledge is used to inform personal and community decisions (ACSHE100)
Communicate ideas, explanations and processes in a variety of ways, including multi-modal texts (ACSIS110)

Syllabus Outcomes: ST3-6PW, ST3-4WS.

Time needed: 48 mins

Resources required: Internet access, student worksheet, stopwatch.

Digital technology opportunities: Prezi presentation, digital sharing capabilities.

Homework and extension opportunities: Includes opportunities for homework or extension.

Keywords: Climate change, renewable energy, solar panels, wind turbines, hydropower, geothermal, electric cars, biomass.

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

Teacher content information: Earth Hour is a WWF-Australia initiative, and is the world’s largest community-driven climate change campaign. At the centre of Earth Hour is switching off lights to show a commitment to taking action. Thousands of teachers use Earth Hour’s education program to enrich their curriculum and provide pathways for young people to create change in their world.

Download the Earth Hour starter kit for your service: Earth Hour for Schools

Earth Hour Australia's Egg-cellent Launch Video (https://youtu.be/IBs2dnDj8Og)

Teaching sequence

8 minutes – Opening class discussion
20 minutes – Group task
15 minutes - Presentation
5 minutes - Closing quiz

Work through this resource material in the following sequence:

1. Begin this activity by breaking the class into four groups and asking each group to think of 5 personal actions we can all take to help address climate change. Give groups 1 minute to think of their actions. Ask groups to share th

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Student Worksheet

Thought starter: What's the difference between renewable energy, alternative energy and green energy?

How can renewable energy help fight climate change?

Looking at your renewable energy

Investigate your renewable energy and create a short Prezi presentation (maximum 1 minute) that shares the following:

A description of your renewable energy and the technology used;
How and where this technology is currently being used;
What are the problems with this technology (e.g. does it have technological limitations or does it have community opposition)?
How is this energy is renewable and how does it help to fight climate change?
Supporting images or video.

Be prepared to share your presentation with the class.

Quick quiz

What does renewable energy mean?

Describe 4 types of renewable energy, using one sentence for each:

How does renewable energy help fight climate change? Explain:

What are some of the problems with renewable energy?

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Activity: Earth Hour – Climate Change and Renewable Energy – Year 6

Activity Introduction