Module Overview: Renewable Energy

Overview

In this module, students will explore what energy is and how it is converted into usable forms. They will deepen their understanding of issues related to carbon emissions and resource depletion and look at alternative energy resources as possible solutions to environmental problems. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, you will be able to: 

  • Evaluate information scientifically in the context of his/her own life.
  • Explain the importance of observation and hypothesis testing in the scientific process, and distinguish between science and non-science practices.
  • Perform scientific investigations in lab setting, gather, analyze and critically evaluate scientific data, and communicate scientific results according to appropriate academic standards.
  • Identify and evaluate instances where population growth and humans' use of resources impacts the natural environment.
  • Use the concept of sustainability to critique global and local environmental issues, and identify the steps that can be taken to improve environmental conditions and actively participate in solutions to environmental problems.
  • Interpret and explain basic scientific data represented in graphs and charts.
  • Utilize academic research skills; such as evaluate the quality/credibility of information from various kinds of sources, narrow topics and discern the most important information from texts.  
  • Employ strategies to build and retain vocabulary.
  • CCRs Reading Anchor(s) Level E:1,2,7,9
  • CCRs Writing Anchor(s) Level E: 6,7,8,9
  • CCRs Speaking/Listening Anchor(s) Level E: 1,2,4,5,6
  • CCRs Language Anchor(s)Level E: 1,2,6

Why This is Important

The negative impacts of the current energy system used in the United States are becoming more and more obvious. It is imperative that new technologies that utilize more sustainable energy systems are researched and implemented. Renewable energy not only contextualizes fundamental scientific concepts, such as energy conversion, but it also has practical applications for students' home and utility choices, transportation options, and career opportunities.