Introduction

Modern life depends on energy in nearly every way. From transportation and communication to clothing and food, energy is essential. This lesson helps students discover the hidden role energy plays in everyday life.

Student Objectives

Students will be able to

• Identify classroom items that rely on modern energy sources. 
• Explain how energy enables the production and use of common objects and devices.
• Reflect on how life would be different without access to modern energy sources.

Materials

• Student Handout
• Energy Makes Our World video
• Small stickers (e.g. circle garage sale dots, masking tape, or mini Post-its)

Procedure

A. Engage
Invite a brief discussion of where students think energy is used in their daily lives.
Example prompt: “A lot of people are talking about modern energy sources like oil, natural gas, solar, wind, coal, nuclear, and more! I wonder how much energy from these sources we use every day?”

B. Explore

1. Distribute the student handout and stickers to students. 
2. Instruct students to circulate around the classroom and put a sticker on any item that requires a modern energy source (one sticker per item) and record the items and energy required on the first page of the handout. Do not coach students.
3. Once completed, have students compare lists and reasoning, in pairs, small groups, or as a whole class discussion.

C. Explain

1. Watch the video “Energy Makes Our World.” 
2. Facilitate a brief discussion about the hidden energy behind products.

D. Explore – Part 2

1. Instruct students to repeat the sticker activity, but this time focusing on hidden or indirect energy use (e.g. manufacturing, transportation, storage). Students will record the items and energy required on the second page of the handout.
2. Ask guiding questions such as, “Where did this item come from before arriving here?” and “How might energy have been used to make or move it?”

E. Elaborate
Once completed, once again have students compare and discuss their findings. Use discussion prompts such as

• Which items surprised you the most for how much energy they used?
• What would be the hardest to live without, and why? 
• Which energy sources seemed to show up the most?
• What does this activity show about our dependence on energy?

F. Evaluate

1. Have students complete a 100-200-word journal entry answering the question: “What would life be like if you could not use any modern sources of industrial energy and had to rely on only direct natural sources of energy?” 
2. Encourage them to be detailed, sharing how they would access food, transportation, heating, shelter, and clothing, as well as how their social life would change.