Introduction
The Energy Production Fair engages students in hands-on research to explore how energy affects their lives, communities, and environment. Working in small groups, students investigate a real-world energy topic through one of three pathways:
- Local Energy Connections: Students will investigate how energy is produced, used, or debated in their region.
- Key Groups Perspectives: Students will examine one energy source from multiple community member viewpoints.
- Energy Source Comparison: Compare two energy sources to evaluate which best meets current and future regional energy needs.
Students will organize their research and communicate findings on a trifold display for a gallery-style showcase. The project emphasizes collaboration, critical thinking, and clear communication, helping students connect local data to global energy challenges.
Suggested Timeline (1-2 Weeks)
| Day 1: Project Launch | Introduce the showcase project and explain the three research pathways. Form groups, and have teams choose their topic and divide research roles. |
| Day 2-3: Research | Students gather information from credible sources and answer the research questions for their chosen pathway. |
| Day 4-5: Drafting | Groups organize their research into sections for the trifold (headings, visuals, and key points). Begin drafting written content and designing layouts. |
| Day 6: Building | Teams finalize text, select visuals, and prepare materials for assembly. Homework time may be needed to finish any missing components. |
| Day 7: Showcase Day (Gallery Walk) | Students present their displays in a classroom showcase. Peers walk through exhibits and give feedback. |
Student Objectives
Students will be able to
- Research and analyze energy production topics through a structured lens (local context, stakeholder perspective, or comparison).
- Communicate scientific information clearly through a trifold display and visuals.
- Collaborate effectively in groups to divide tasks and contribute to a shared project.
- Evaluate trade-offs in energy decisions, considering cost, reliability, environment, and social impacts.
- Engage in peer-to-peer learning by sharing and writing feedback for the displays during the showcase.
Materials
- Student Handout
- Trifold (1 per group)
- Materials for trifold construction (e.g., markers, paper, etc.)
Topic Menu for Students
Student teams will choose one of the topic pathways from the menu below to base their trifold research on. All three pathways meet the same objectives.
Option 1: Local Energy Connections
Explore how energy is produced, used, or debated in your region or community. Think about how local energy choices affect people, the environment, and the economy.
(See Student Handout for full research questions.)
Option 2: Key Groups Perspectives
Examine a single local energy source (like solar, wind, natural gas, or coal) from the viewpoints of different members in your community.
(See Student Handout for full research questions.)
Option 3: Energy Source Comparison
Compare two energy sources and decide which is better for your community – both now and in the future.
(See Student Handout for full research questions.)
Procedure
Day 1
- Introduce the Classroom Energy Showcase, explain the three topic pathways, and form groups.
- Provide each group with a copy of the Student Handout to guide their research.
- Have groups choose a topic, and clearly divide research responsibilities. Each student should begin researching their designated part.
Days 2-3
- Students use class time to research and draft a rough outline of their main points and visuals.
Days 4-5
- Once main topic content is gathered, students will begin drafting trifold content.
- Students will most likely need homework time to finish any missing content or images so that they are ready to build the trifold in the next class.
Day 6
- Groups assemble and decorate trifolds.
Day 7
- Showcase Day! Classroom Energy Showcase gallery walk commences.
- Peers use sticky notes to provide feedback according to the guidelines in the Student Handout.
Note: Students may need to complete some research and content writing outside of class as homework.