Renewable energy (US)

In this lesson, students will be immersed in, and connect with, the documentary film 2040, focusing on the topic of renewable energy. Students begin by exploring what we mean by renewable and non-renewable resources, and investigate a range of resources, classifying them as either renewable or non-renewable based on their regeneration rates.

Students then look at renewable energy and then generate questions that they have about renewable energy that can be answered through research. These questions are then distributed amongst students who conduct the research required to answer them and share their results with the class. Finally, students explore how understanding the benefits of renewable energy can improve and empower communities by looking at and comparing a range of community energy projects.

Teacher Involvement:

Medium – oversee activities and facilitate class discussions.

Learning intentions:

• Students will understand what renewable and non-renewable means in terms of resources
• Students will recognise a range of renewable energy sources
• Students will understand how people can use scientific knowledge around energy to improve and empower communities through community energy programs.

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.