Key Concept – Systems
Statement of Inquiry – We can create effective energy efficient systems to mitigate our human impact on the natural environment.
Starter – Challenges and Progress
What are the challenges facing the world today? Why? Padlet – Challenges
How does your class compare to the UN Sustainable Development Goals?
What progress has the world made in the last few centuries? Why? Padlet – Progress
How does your class compare to psychologist Steven Pinker?
How has the world’s population grown so much in the last few centuries? What does the world need to do to manage the growing numbers?
One solution for many of the challenges above is for all people to have access to efficient and cheap energy. Think about this statement, how does access to energy help people go forward or improve their lives?
Types of Energy
Before working out solutions to developing methods for efficient and cheap energy, let’s look at what types we use in the world today.
Wind
- How do we harness the power of wind?
Key question: Is wind efficient? Is it cost-effective? What are the advantages and disadvantages of wind power?
Advantages and Challenges of Wind Energy (US)
14m trees have been cut down in Scotland to make way for wind farms
Wind energy can help Earth blow back climate calamity
Oil
The truth about oil: Pros and cons of fossil fuels
Solar
Thinking About Solar Energy? Here Are The Major Pros And Cons
Nuclear
What are the advantages of nuclear energy?
Gas
Fracking – Top 3 Pros and Cons
Coal
PROS AND CONS OF FOSSIL FUELS & WHY CAN FOSSIL FUELS BE GOOD?
China has ‘no other choice’ but to rely on coal power for now, official says
10 reasons why coal is a good energy source:
Hydro
Pros and Cons of Hydroelectric Energy
Hydropower supply dries up with climate change
Conclusions
When thinking about which is the best, most efficient, cheap or type of energy that has the least environmental impact, consider which parts of the world will be more suitable to your choices. Does the developed world (HIC) require the same energy as the undeveloped (LIC) for example?
What are the possible consequences of altering the types of energy the world currently uses?
Carbon Footprint
Should you try to reduce your carbon footprint or aim to find ways to develop energy that has a limited impact?