ES30-LS2(a)
Explore the various methods used to obtain oil.
SK – Earth Science 30 Alignment Guide
Summary
This alignment guide connects Switch Classroom lessons and activities to the Saskatchewan Earth Science 30 curriculum, helping teachers bring real-world energy and resource issues into the classroom. Students explore fossil fuel and mineral resources, methods of extraction, and the economic and environmental impacts of energy development through engaging, standards-aligned activities.
With lessons such as Science of Oil, Switch Chapter 2: Coal, and the Fracking – Risks and Benefits video, students learn how oil, gas, and coal are obtained and the challenges that come with their use. These resources provide a foundation for understanding the location, methods, and impacts of major resources in Saskatchewan and beyond.
The guide also supports inquiry into solutions for environmental and economic issues related to resource extraction. Activities such as the National Energy Issues Debate and Introduction to Environmental Impacts allow students to critically examine topics like mine reclamation, pipeline development, and water quality. Videos and lessons on solar, wind, biofuels, geothermal, and hydropower expand the conversation to alternative energy pathways.
This alignment saves planning time for teachers while equipping students with critical analysis, research, and communication skills that connect classroom learning to current events.
Resources
Fracking - Risks & Benefits – Video
ES30-LS2(a)
Explore the various methods used to obtain natural gas.
Switch, Chapter 2, Foundational Energies: Coal – Video
ES30-LS2(a)
Explore the various methods used to obtain coal.
National Energy Issues Debate
ES30-LS2(m)
Connect to current events and have students argue for or against a “Should the government…” debate prompt. Assign videos from subsequent lessons as debate prep.
Introduction to Environmental Impacts
ES30-LS2(m)
Connect to current events and have students argue for or against a “Should the government…” debate prompt. Assign videos as debate prep.
Introduction to Coal
ES30-LS2(m)
Connect to current events and have students argue for or against a “Should the government…” debate prompt. Assign videos as debate prep.
Introduction to Hydropower
ES30-LS2(m)
Connect to current events and have students argue for or against a “Should the government…” debate prompt. Assign videos as debate prep.
Science of Solar
ES30-LS2(m)
Connect to current events and have students argue for or against a “Should the government…” debate prompt. Assign videos as debate prep.
Science of Wind
ES30-LS2(m)
Connect to current events and have students argue for or against a “Should the government…” debate prompt. Assign videos as debate prep.
Science of Biofuels
ES30-LS2(m)
Connect to current events and have students argue for or against a “Should the government…” debate prompt. Assign videos as debate prep.
Modern Oil Drilling and Unconventional Sources – Video
ES30-LS2(m)
Connect to current events and have students argue for or against a “Should the government…” debate prompt. Assign videos as debate prep.
Science of Geothermal
ES30-LS2(m)
Connect to current events and have students argue for or against a “Should the government…” debate prompt. Assign videos as debate prep.
Developing Media Literacy - Mini-Unit
ES30-LS2(a)
ES30-LS2(m)
Introduce students to the fundamentals of media literacy through the lens of researching energy topics.