Renewable Energy Algebra Lesson: Student Project
Lesson Plan
2 hoursGrades6, 7, 8Mathematics
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Written by Effie Wolters
About this lesson
In this lesson, students use what they have learned about renewable energy to create their own plan to implement green energy in their community.
Inquire: Students watch a short video and discuss if renewable energy can completely power their community.
Investigate: Students explore an example of a community powered by renewable energy, draw a map of their community, create a renewable energy plan, and complete calculations to maximize the production of solar, wind, and biomass energy.
Inspire: Students share their plans with the class through a gallery walk and have a final discussion about the viability of using renewable energy to fully power their community.
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Suggestions
- The Investigate and Inspire sections should each take at least one whole class period and can be extended over multiple days. Additionally, the community education project can be optional or extended into a separate activity.
- The lesson allows students to connect with their own communities to find possible solutions and places for renewable energy.
- Students are able to think critically about the viability of renewable energy and are introduced to ideas of urban planning and community building.
- Interdisciplinary connections can be made with Earth science, physical science, and engineering design.
- Local urban planners or community developers can be invited in to share with the class.
Prerequisites
- This is lesson 5 of 5 in our 6th-8th grade Renewable Energy Algebra unit.
- Students will need access to a device to view Google Maps.
Teachers can use this middle school guide from Earthday.org as a resource.
Differentiation
- Students can work in groups instead of individually.
- Teachers can walk the class through creating the community map using Google Maps if technology access is an issue or to provide additional support to students if necessary.
- Students can present their projects in small groups instead of doing the gallery walk.
- The final activity where students create something to educate their community can be completed as homework.
Students can research other communities around the world using renewable energy. Examples include Uruguay or this Green Power Communities list from the EPA.
From the scientist review
This lesson stretches students' capability to compute and determine the type of renewable energy plan that is suitable for their community. The lesson will provide them with insights on how renewable energy access is important. They will be able to analyze the land size and energy output required to design specific renewable energy projects that would efficiently power the energy needs in their community. The lesson has passed our science credibility, and there is a high confidence in using it for teaching.
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About the teacher writer
Effie Wolters
6-8 Chemistry and Earth Science Teacher
Effie Wolters is a science educator with nine years of teaching experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of San Diego and a master’s degree in Teaching Instruction from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. She is licensed to teach General Science in Grades 5–8 and holds a Cambridge CELTA certification.
