Activity Introduction

Quick summary: In this activity students look at a range of energy resources and make assessments about their suitability for use in Australia in the context of climate change. Students begin by brainstorming energy resources and environmental impacts, and then work in groups to research one type of energy resource in detail. They present their findings to the class, and working as a class vote for their preferred future energy resources. This lesson meets selected Australian Curriculum outcomes for Years 7 and 8 in the subject of Science.

earth-hour-160x160

This lesson 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 that there are a range of energy resources.
  • Students recognise that energy can have significant impacts on our environment and can contribute to climate change and global warming.
  • Students understand that there are energy alternatives that have lower environmental and climate impacts.

General capabilities: Critical and creative thinking, Literacy, ICT capability.

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

Australian Curriculum content description:

Year 7 Science

  • Some of Earth’s resources are renewable, but others are non-renewable (ACSSU116)
  • Identify questions and problems that can be investigated scientifically and make predictions based on scientific knowledge (ACSIS124)
  • Communicate ideas, findings and solutions to problems using scientific language and representations using digital technologies as appropriate (ACSIS133)

Year 8 Science

  • Energy appears in different forms including movement (kinetic energy), heat and potential energy, and causes change within systems (ACSSU155)
  • Science and technology contribute to finding solutions to a range of contemporary issues; these solutions may impact on other areas of society and involve ethical considerations (ACSHE135)
  • Communicate ideas, findings and solutions to problems using scientific language and representations using digital technologies as appropriate (ACSIS148)

Year 7 English (Homework)

  • Plan, draft and publish imaginative, informative and persuasive texts, selecting aspects of subject matter and particular language, visual, and audio features to convey information and ideas (ACELY1725)

Year 8 English (Homework)

  • Create imaginative, informative and persuasive texts that raise issues, report events and advance opinions, using deliberate language and textual choices, and including digital elements as appropriate (ACELY1736)

Syllabus Outcomes: EN4-4B, SC4-4WS, SC4-9WS, SC4-10PW, SC4-11PW, SC4-12ES. 

Time required: 60 mins

Resources needed: Internet access, Student Worksheet, black/smart board (optional).

Digital technology opportunities: Presentation tools (PowerPoint or Prezi or movie making program), mind-mapping tools (bubbl.us or mindmeister), digital sharing capabilities

Homework and extension opportunities:

Keywords: Energy, climate change, global warming, coal, gas, nuclear, wind, solar, geothermal, hydropower, biofuel.

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 school: Earth Hour for Schools

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

Teaching sequence

10 minutes - Brainstorming activity and discussion
30 minutes - Group task
10 minutes - Presentation and discussion
10 - Reflection task

Work through this resource material in the following sequence:

1. Begin this activity with a brainstorming mind map activity. Students can work as a class or in groups. If working as a class, write student responses on the board. If working in groups, ask students to use

...
 
- or - to view worksheets

Student Worksheet

Thought starter: How many different types of energy are there?

Which type of energy should Australia choose? Questions to guide your research:

1. What is the science and technology behind this resource?

How does this energy resource work?

What technology is used?

 

2. Is this energy resource renewable or non-renewable? Explain:

 

3. How is this energy resource used?

Is this energy source used in Australia? If so, how much? If not, why not?

 

4. What are the benefits or problems associated with this resource?

Are there any environmental, social or financial benefits of this resource? What are they?

 

Are there any environmental, social or financial problems associated with this resource? What are they?

 

5. What is the relationship between this energy resource and climate change?

Does this energy resource contribute to climate change? If so, how? If not, why not?

 

6. What do you think the future of this resource should be? Should it be expanded or sc

...
 
- or - to view worksheets

Leave your Feedback

We appreciate your feedback. Let us know what you like or don't like about this activity:

Sorry. You must be logged in to view this form.