Energy Lesson 5 : Renewable Energy and Michigan

Students will be able to:

1. Describe the economic, social, and environmental advantages and disadvantages of different renewable energy resources.

2. Evaluate Michigan’s renewable energy potential.

3. Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of non-renewable and renewable energy resources.

Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations

Grade 6-7 Science:

• Generate scientific questions based on observations, investigations, and research. S.IP.06.11, S.IP.07.11

• Communicate and defend findings of observations and investigations. S.IA.06.13, S.IA.07.13

• Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of claims, arguments, and data. S.RS.06.11, S.RS.07.11

HS Earth Science:

• Describe a reason for a given conclusion using evidence from and investigation. E1.1E

• Analyze how science and society interact from a historical, political, economic, or social perspective. E1.2k

• Identify differences in the origin and use of renewable (e.g., solar, wind, water, biomass) and nonrenewable (e.g., fossil fuels, nuclear [U-235[) sources of energy. E2.2B

• Describe renewable and nonrenewable sources of energy for human consumption (electricity, fuels), compare their effects on the environment, and include overall costs and benefits. E2.4A

Social Studies:

• Clearly state an issue as a question of public policy, trace the origins of the issue, analyze various perspectives, and generate and evaluate alternate resolutions. 6 – P3.1.1, 7 – G5.1.1, 8 – G5.1.1

• Contemporary Investigations – conduct research on contemporary global topics and issues, compose persuasive essays, and develop a plan for action. 6 – G6.1.1, 7 – G6.1.1

• Identify, research, analyze, discuss, and defend a position on a national public policy issue. 6 – P3.1.1, 7 – P3.1.1, 8 – P3.1.1

• Engage in activities intended to contribute to solving a national or international problem. 6 – P4.2.2, 7 – P4.2.2, 8 – P4.2.2