Development of an Energy Plan for Franklinville using a Single Energy Source

This minds-on activity guides students in analyzing specific examples of energy sources (e.g. coal, solar, geothermal, and hydropower) and develop their understanding of renewable and non-renewable energy sources. The introductory analysis and discussion section use a scenario to introduce students to key concepts and discuss the three artifacts that students need to produce at the end of the curriculum unit: (1) an energy sources spreadsheet; (2) a small group argument essay; (3) an individual argument essay. The second section includes students working in small groups to interpret the given data; generate a tentative argument on which source of energy that can provide more electricity for Franklinville; and, participate in a peer-evaluation activity to evaluate the quality of each group argument. In the third section, each student creates a final written argument to persuade their peers and teacher that their claim is valid and acceptable.