This interactive map provides information about the location of power plants around the world, including data about each plant's capacity and fuel type.
A variety of map layers allows students to view the data in various ways.
Teaching Tips
Positives
Students can click on any of the data points on the map to learn more about specific power plants.
Students can explore specific dataset layers by themselves, including coal power plants, hydro power plants, and wind power plants.
Additional Prerequisites
Students and teachers should be aware that the map replicates the continents when the user zooms out too far.
The map defaults to black, but an icon in the right-hand corner allows the user to change the map's color.
Differentiation
Social studies and geography classes could use the map to discuss how different regions produce power and why some regions produce far more power than others.
Science classes could use this resource to discuss global reliance on fossil fuels and what can be done about it.
Other resources on this topic include this resource that shows carbon dioxide emissions by fuel type, this lesson plan on carbon trading, and this Hot Mess video that discusses how the world should pay to fix climate change.
Scientist Notes
This is an interactive map that shows the location and type of power generation plants across the globe. The data is publicly available. This resource is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Science and Engineering
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
4-ESS3-1 Obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are derived from natural resources and their uses affect the environment.
Social Studies
Geography
Geography 1 (F1): Students understand the geography of the community, Maine, the United States, and various regions of the world, and geographic influences on life in the past, present, and future by using the geographic grid and a variety of types of maps, including digital sources, to locate and access relevant geographic information that reflects multiple perspectives.
Geography 1 (F2): Students understand the geography of the United States and various regions of the world and the effect of geographic influences on decisions about the present and future by evaluating and developing a well-supported position about the impact of change on the physical and cultural environment.
Geography 1 (D2): Students understand the geography of the United States and various regions of the world and the effect of geographic influences on decisions about the present and future by using inquiry to predict and evaluate consequences of geographic influences.
Personal Finance & Economics
Global Connections: Students understand economic aspects of unity and diversity in the community, Maine, and regions of the United States and the world, including Maine Native American communities, by explaining economic processes, economic institutions, and economic influences related to Maine Native Americans and various cultures in the United States and the world.
