The Olympic Flame: Energy and Emissions CER – Student

Summary

Students calculate and compare energy use and CO2 emissions for four Olympic flame designs, from traditional propane combustion to Paris 2024’s electric effect, Tokyo’s hydrogen flame, and a hypothetical biofuel blend. The handout walks through guided calculations, reflection questions, and a CER task asking students to defend a design choice using quantitative and qualitative evidence. Works well for high school Earth and Environmental Science, APES Unit 6, or any energy unit on emissions and fuel trade-offs.