Exploring energy (US)

In this lesson, students will be immersed in, and connect with, the documentary film 2040, focusing on the topic of energy. Students begin by clarifying key terms around energy before participating in a group jigsaw activity to investigate different types of energy. They then explore a case study about local energy production from the documentary before creating a scientific poster to communicate their own ideas for local energy.

Finally, students reflect on their learning by considering the question; “What is your energy 2040?”

Teacher Involvement: Medium – oversee activities and facilitate class discussions. 

Learning Objectives:

• Students understand that there are different types of energy sources. 
• Students understand that different types of energy have different environmental impacts. 
• Students understand that solutions to the environmental problems associated with energy production already exist. 

Credits and acknowledgements:

Cool.org prepared the 2040 Curriculum Guide. Together Films adapted these lessons for US educators and will do an annual review of these resources to ensure they are still in line with the US Curriculum.

US Educator Note: Australian educational standards have been adapted and aligned by discipline, and when possible, to US standards.

Cool Australia, GoodThing Productions and Regen Studios would like to acknowledge the generous contributions of Good Pitch Australia, Shark Island Institute, Documentary Australia Foundation, The Caledonia Foundation, Global Health Film and our philanthropic partners in the development of these teaching resources.