To “go green,” we must “go honest” so that we can address and solve the real energy challenges before us. – Dr. Scott Tinker
How will developing countries source the energy they need? How can we increase energy efficiency? Where will we get the raw materials for solar and wind development? Can we have “clean coal?” Is it possible to scale up the use of wind and solar energy to reduce CO2 emissions? These are the hard questions that the curriculum of Switch Classroom can help you address in your classes.
We launch this blog in October as we observe National Energy Month. This annual event began in 1991 to raise awareness of the importance of finding sustainable solutions to our country’s growing energy needs. The energy landscape in the U.S. has changed considerably since the early 1990’s with the development of shale gas and the growing use of solar and wind power. Addressing the growing energy needs for developing countries has its own challenges. How do we, as educators, provide a balanced exploration of the energy choices both we and the next generations will face? Dr. Scott Tinker, founder of the Switch Energy Alliance, calls on us to be honest about the benefits and challenges of each energy source.
Through this blog, we will provide ready-to-use teaching strategies, share our own use of Switch Classroom, and provide the latest insights from energy experts and educators.
We will provide teachers with useful information on how to:
You will also get to meet experts:
Switch Classroom was created by teachers for teachers. The Switch Energy Alliance Teacher Advisory Council (TAC) developed the curriculum for Switch Classroom with you in mind! Each member of the TAC brings many years of experience and expertise and we are your partners in providing vital energy education to students. Energy decisions are hard! They will impact our health, economy, environment, and security! We need to equip the citizens of tomorrow with the information needed to make these hard decisions. Join us in this journey as we explore the energy future!
Lynn Kistler
Chair Switch Energy Alliance Teacher Advisor Council
Upper St. Clair High School, Pittsburgh, PA
Science Teacher: Environmental Science, Physics, Chemistry
The insightful full-length energy documentaries, Switch and Switch On, feature Dr. Scott Tinker as he explores the world’s leading energy sites. Ideal to kick off an energy unit, review before assessing, or to celebrate the end of year, Switch Energy Alliance‘s documentaries bring global energy solutions and challenges into perspective. While clips from the Switch…
In Switch Classroom’s Carbon Capture and Sequestration lesson, Dr. Julio Friedmann, a renowned research scientist, shares his expertise in carbon management. Interviewed by Dr. Scott Tinker, Founder and Chairman of Switch Energy Alliance, Friedmann’s unconventional career path underscores the importance of curiosity and adaptability. From music studies to carbon management leadership, his journey inspires students…
Energy consumption often flies under the radar of everyday awareness. A paradigm shift of energy efficiency for students is needed. Switch Energy Alliance Founder and Chairman, Scott Tinker, presents a compelling thought: “How can we save energy if we rarely think about it? If energy awareness becomes a cultural norm, efficiency will too. It’s time…
Prepare Your Students for the AP Environmental Science Exam with Math Problems and Conversion Practice Are you looking for effective ways to ensure your students are fully prepared for the upcoming AP Environmental Science (APES) exam? Look no further than Switch Classroom! Our comprehensive and free platform offers a wide array of resources designed to…
The Earth and Environmental Science quick start guide is versatile and useful for middle school to high school educators. The lessons in this guide can be used as both core and supplemental resources for an environmental course or unit. With sixteen lessons, there is something for everyone! Educators can choose which lessons align best with…
The most popular lesson in March unleashes the power of wind energy! The Introduction to Wind lesson focuses on wind power as one of the fastest growing sources of energy, guiding students to discovering the trade-offs necessary for a balanced and successful energy transition. Start with the brief Wind Primer introduction video. It lays out…
Switch Classroom’s no-prep lesson “Energy Efficiency” is the perfect supplement to the Earth Day focus of this month. It kicks off with a compelling video that students love. Dr. Tinker introduces students to the idea that energy efficiency is the most important step we can take in energy. Two important considerations are shared: eliminate wasteful…
Level up your Chemistry curriculum energy unit with our specially curated Chemistry Quick Start Alignment Guide. Designed for high school chemistry teachers, this guide offers a wealth of free teacher, made-teacher ready energy resources for your course. Addressing Educational Challenges Finding high-quality, non-partisan, and engaging materials for energy-related topics can be a daunting task for…
In the realm of science and innovation, Shirley Ann Jackson stands as a beacon of inspiration for women in STEM and all aspiring scientists. Her remarkable contributions to the field of energy have not only reshaped the landscape of technology but also paved the way for future generations of STEM enthusiasts. Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson,…
We are thrilled to introduce Grace Stanke, a remarkable individual who is making waves both in the world of nuclear engineering and on the pageant stage. Named in the prestigious 2024 Forbes 30 under 30 for Energy list, Grace is not only a national advocate for nuclear power but also a shining example of excellence…
Welcome to the March edition of the Switch Classroom newsletter! We’re excited to shine a spotlight on an important cause: recognizing the invaluable contributions of women in STEM. In this edition, we delve into how women have shaped the energy landscape and why promoting gender diversity in STEM fields is crucial for continued innovation. Why…
Switch Classroom loves EurekAlert!, a non-profit science news-release distribution platform managed by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). This helpful resource is updated hourly and will keep you up-to-date with scientific research in all disciplines. Educators and students can browse news releases by subject or use the direct links for various topics…
Lesson planning is easy with Switch Classroom! The Switch Classroom team is committed to ensuring that the platform is user-friendly and intuitive for educators, students, and parents. For educators getting started on creating lesson plans that align with your curriculum and goals, head to the Create Assignments page in Switch Classroom for a quick way…
Dr. Scott Tinker, Founder and Chairman of Switch Energy Alliance, delved into the intricate trade-offs between climate security, energy poverty, and energy security at the 2023 ARC (Alliance for Responsible Citizenship) Conference, with his talk, “An Honest and Sensible Conversation about Global Energy”, now boasting over 1.4 million views. This resource serves as a springboard…
Are you an upper elementary or middle school teacher, searching for energy resources and activities aligned to your instructional goals and curriculum? The 5th Grade General Science Alignment Guide is the perfect place to get a quick start on a variety of topics that get students excited about energy learning. Compiled by teachers across the…
The most popular NGSS and APES-aligned lesson in January was “The Energy Mix,” including the How We Make and Use Energy introductory video, which had over 17k views! In this lesson Scott Tinker takes students on a fascinating and compelling exploration of the different energy sources and their impacts. Engaging supplemental materials include a bell…
This month we focus on celebrating the life and work of Black American inventors, engineers, innovators, and scientists who have made a difference in the world of energy research and technology. These pioneers shaped critical features of our energy landscape, often without the recognition they deserved and while confronting prejudice and injustice. One such pioneer…
Exciting News! Switch Classroom now has a monthly newsletter full of practical, no-prep content that can be used in your classes today! Each issue promises educational resources, hands-on tools, and fascinating features to help you explore energy and environment with your students. This month, in honor of Black History Month, we celebrate the journeys and…