E1.1
Explain how energy, environment, and the economy are linked.
ON – Earth and Space Science, Grade 12, University Prep
Summary
This alignment guide connects Switch Classroom resources to Ontario Grade 12 Earth and Space Science (University Preparation), helping teachers align energy extraction, resource exploration, environmental impacts, and economic consequences with curriculum expectations. It gives teachers a structured way to connect geology, natural resources, and energy systems through real-world case studies and classroom-ready discussions.
Students examine how the exploration, extraction, and processing of Earth materials affect local and broader economies through resources such as The Three E’s Video, which helps them connect energy, environment, and economy as linked systems. The guide also supports critical analysis of extraction technologies and environmental repercussions through Introduction to Environmental Impacts and the full Science of energy series, including Bioenergy, Coal, Geothermal, Hydropower, Natural Gas, Nuclear, Oil, Solar, and Wind. These lessons help students compare technologies, understand resource tradeoffs, and evaluate environmental consequences across multiple energy systems. The inclusion of National Energy Issues Debate and Developing Media Literacy also gives students opportunities to examine current events, perspectives, and evidence in energy discussions.
Resources
National Energy Issues Debate
E1.2
Connect to current events and have students argue for or against a “Should the government…” debate prompt. Assign the videos from each “Science of” lesson as debate prep.
Introduction to Environmental Impacts
E1.2
Connect to current events and have students argue for or against a “Should the government…” debate prompt. Assign the video as debate prep.
Science of Biofuels
E1.2
Connect to current events and have students argue for or against a “Should the government…” debate prompt. Assign the video as debate prep.
Science of Coal
E1.2
Connect to current events and have students argue for or against a “Should the government…” debate prompt. Assign the video as debate prep.
Science of Geothermal
E1.2
Connect to current events and have students argue for or against a “Should the government…” debate prompt. Assign the video as debate prep.
Science of Hydropower
E1.2
Connect to current events and have students argue for or against a “Should the government…” debate prompt. Assign the video as debate prep.
Science of Natural Gas
E1.2
Connect to current events and have students argue for or against a “Should the government…” debate prompt. Assign the video as debate prep.
Science of Nuclear
E1.2
Connect to current events and have students argue for or against a “Should the government…” debate prompt. Assign the video as debate prep.
Science of Oil
E1.2
Connect to current events and have students argue for or against a “Should the government…” debate prompt. Assign the video as debate prep.
Science of Solar
E1.2
Connect to current events and have students argue for or against a “Should the government…” debate prompt. Assign the video as debate prep.
Science of Wind
E1.2
Connect to current events and have students argue for or against a “Should the government…” debate prompt. Assign the video as debate prep.
Developing Media Literacy - Mini-Unit
Introduce students to the fundamentals of media literacy through the lens of researching energy topics.