Renewable Energy

HS Geography Project

What is PBL?Project Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge.

Focused on Student Learning Goals

Uses a Challenging Question or Problem

Sustained Inquiry over an extended period of time

As connected to the real world as possible

Students make as many choices as possible

Students reflect on their learning

Peer review and student feedback is emphasized

There is a public product at the end

Project: Renewable EnergyCountries across the world are looking for renewable energy sources for their country. But not all renewable energy is created equal. How should countries allocate their limited resources (time, money, experts, etc) to get the most out of renewable energy for their country?

Common Core Standards AddressedCCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.1 - Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, attending to such features as the date and origin of the information.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.4 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary describing political, social, or economic aspects of history/social science.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.4 - Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including vocabulary describing political, social, or economic aspects of history/social science.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.7 - Integrate quantitative or technical analysis (e.g., charts, research data) with qualitative analysis in print or digital text.

Lesson 1 - IntroductionThe teacher will show the students the data at the OECD regarding renewable energy production worldwide. We will discuss “What is renewable energy? What are some examples of renewable energy? Why use renewable energy?”

The students (who are already in groups) will then select a country to do their project on. The project question description is on the next slide.

Project DescriptionBecause of increased coverage and concern worldwide about global warming, more and more countries are switching to renewable energy sources (RES). Unfortunately, countries cannot afford to pursue every possible RES. Instead, they have to pick and choose. The country of _____________ has asked your group to recommend which RES they should focus their investment in. Your recommendation should include the following:

1) An overview of the country’s current demographics, GDP, and power production.

2) A comparison of the different kinds of RES available to the country.

3) A recommendation of which one they should pursue.

You will share your findings to the country’s leaders (your classmates). You can share these findings using posters, videos, a website, a presentation, or a combination of those. Use whatever method your group thinks will be the most compelling.

Lesson 2: Initial ResearchThe students will share a short (3-5 minute) overview of point 1 from the project description with the class (country demographics). This way, the whole class gains some familiarity with each country. This also provides the teacher with the chance to make sure they are conducting their research.

Lesson 3: Initial ProposalThe groups will each prepare a short (1 page written, 3-5 slide PPT, or 3-5 minute video) explanation of the RES they have selected for their country. This explanation will include

1) Which resource they selected.

2) Which other resources they considered.

3) Reasons why they selected this research

This will give the teacher the ability to provide course-correction mid-project should any teams need it. This will be due 1 ½ to 2 weeks before the project presentations.

They will also share their initial proposal with one other group, who will provide feedback using a feedback form.

Final PresentationGroups will give their presentations (in whatever format they have selected). Presentations should be roughly 10-15 minutes and include time for questions and answers at the end.

Interdisciplinary ConnectionsThis project will require them to write up what is functionally a persuasive essay for their initial proposal.

The research to compare and contrast the forms of renewable energy is a key part of science and technology.

TechnologyThis will use the following technical tools:

1)Collaborative tool of the group’s choice (most likely Kakao, knowing my students)

2)G Suite (Google Docs, Google Drive, Google Slides)

3)Internet Research

SourcesWhat is PBL? - Buck Institute for Education

5 Keys to Rigorous Project Based Learning - Edutopia

OECD Research Data

Boehm, Richard (2015). Geography: The Human and Physical World (Teacher’s Edition). McGraw-Hill Education.