Introduction to Energy Choices – Bell Ringer
Summary
Students identify which energy sources power their community, weigh trade-offs across affordability, availability, reliability, and sustainability, and consider why transitioning to lower-impact sources is harder than it looks. This bell ringer works as a discussion launcher or written warm-up for any high school energy unit, no prep required.
What energy sources do you think are used most in your community? Choose your top 3 and explain why.
Energy sources: Coal, Natural Gas, Nuclear, Oil, Solar, Wind, Hydropower, Geothermal
What factor do you think should matter most in choosing the energy source(s) that power the lights in your home: affordability, availability, reliability, or sustainability?
Choose one factor and explain why it’s the most important to you.
Why might it be difficult for countries to switch to energy sources that have less impact on the environment?
