Renew-a-Bead Game
Activity - Classroom
Grades6, 7, 8Mathematics, Engineering
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Provided by Teach Engineering
What it is
- In this activity, students will use simple materials to simulate the distribution and use of renewable and non-renewable energy resources.
- Students will compare the energy use of other countries, calculate percentages, and discuss ways to encourage renewable energy investment.
Teaching tips
Positives
- This activity is an excellent introduction to models.
- Teachers can easily complete this activity in one class period or extend it to deepen student understanding.
Prerequisites
- Students should know the term renewable energy and be able to identify some sources of renewable energy.
- Students should know how to multiply and divide, and they may benefit from prior experience calculating percentages.
- Before doing the activity, teachers will need to print the worksheet and gather paper bags and black and white beads.
- The suggested prerequisite lesson for this activity is called Energy Resources and Systems.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Students interested in the engineering aspect of the activity would enjoy exploring green careers in the engineering field, such as energy engineer.
- After the activity, students can choose one renewable source of energy to research and write a speech or essay about.
- To help remind students of what the bag represents, teachers may want to label the bag "country" or the name of a specific country.
- Teachers and students can discuss the environmental and climate change implications from burning fossil fuels.
From the scientist review
Students explore renewable and non-renewable sources of energy and how they could be managed in a sustainable manner via this game. We recommend this resource for teaching.
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