Introduction
1. Introduction
Imagine waking up to a world without electricity. No lights, no internet, and no way to charge your devices! With global energy demands skyrocketing and fossil fuels running out, humanity faces a massive challenge. Your mission is to step into the shoes of an Energy Consultant and design a sustainable power grid for a fast-growing city.
Task
2. Task
Your team’s goal is to create a 10-minute multimedia presentation and a one-page executive summary proposing a 100% renewable energy plan for a fictional city of 100,000 residents. Your plan must balance environmental impact, energy output, and cost.
Process
3. Process
•Form Teams: Divide into groups of three.
•Assign roles: Environmental Scientist, Financial Analyst, and City Planner.
•Research: Use the curated Resources below to investigate solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy.
•Draft the Proposal: Gather evidence on how your selected energy sources will power the city.
•Build the Pitch: Create your slides and executive summary. Make sure to address potential challenges (e.g., weather dependence, cost).
Evaluation
4. Resources
U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) – Kid-friendly energy basics and source breakdowns.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) – Real-world data on solar and wind technologies.
National Geographic: Renewable Energy – In-depth articles and case studies on sustainability.
Conclusion
6. Conclusion
You have explored the potential of renewable energy and its critical role in our future. By evaluating different resources, you’ve learned that there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution to our energy crisis. Reflect on what you learned by writing a short journal entry: If you were the mayor of this city, which single renewable source would you invest the most in, and why?