Energy Resource Lesson Five

The focus of this lesson is learning about the advantages and disadvantages of different kinds of renewable energy resources and their potential use in Michigan. Students read about different renewable resources, watch a teacher demonstration, and match different kinds of energy sources with the advantages and disadvantages of each. Students then compare the advantages and disadvantages of renewable and non-renewable resources and use the comparisons to write a letter to their state legislators.

Students answer these essential questions: 

What are the characteristics of our renewable energy resources? 

Which renewable energy resources have the greatest potential in Michigan? 

What are the economic, social, and environmental advantages and disadvantages of wind, solar, hydroelectric, biomass, and geothermal energy resources? 

How do the advantages and disadvantages of non-renewable and renewable resources compare?

Subject/Target Grade

Science and Social Studies/Middle School (7-9)

Duration

90 minutes – Classroom setting

Materials

per class

• goggles

• model turbine from Lesson 3

• water

• plastic basin or sink

• glass

• thermometer

• wooden matches

• beaker

• tongs

• scissors

• bromothymol blue solution (dilute) (small dropper bottle)

• overhead projector

• Observing Renewable Energy Resources (answer key) 

• Renewable Energy Resources Summary Chart (answer key) 

• Michigan’s Renewable Energy Potential (teacher resource) 

• Comparing Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy Resources (answer key) 

• Energy and the Role of Government in Michigan (transparency master) 

per small group

• Michigan Renewable Energy Cards (student resource) 

• Renewable Energy Resources Summary Chart and Card Sets (student activity) 

• completed Non-renewable Energy Resources Summary Chart from Lesson 4

per student

• goggles

• Observing Renewable Energy Resources (student activity) 

• Michigan’s Renewable Energy Potential (student resource) 

• Comparing Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy Resources (student activity) 

• Energy and the Role of Government in Michigan (student resource)