Choose one of the Bell Ringers provided to display for students to answer.
Introduction to Energy Access
Summary
This free lesson packet introduces students to energy poverty and energy insecurity through video, vocabulary, data analysis, and scenario-based decision-making. Students examine global electricity access trends, analyze real household energy trade-offs across three North American scenarios, and connect energy access to health, education, and economic outcomes. Includes a teacher guide with answer keys and six student-facing resources ready to assign individually or as a full unit.
Activities
Video
Play this short video on energy access to spark curiosity and encourage thoughtful discussion.
Vocabulary + Quiz
Have students review the vocabulary terms, watch the video, and answer the questions in the quiz (Kahoot).
Data Set
Analyze how electricity access has changed over time by interpreting long-term trends and comparing countries.
Lab - Teacher Guide
Download this teacher guide to walk students through making decisions about energy insecurity.
Lab - Student Guide
Use this handout with students to explore how households respond when energy becomes difficult to afford, unreliable, or unsafe.
Teacher Guide
Download this teacher guide that serves as a walkthrough with answers for the Introduction to Energy Access lesson.
Answer Key
This short document provides answers to key activities in the Introduction to Energy Access lesson.
Downloadables