Choose one of the Bell Ringers provided to display for students to answer.
Introduction to Energy Choices
Summary
This comprehensive energy choices lesson plan provides teachers with everything they need to help students understand the complex decisions behind energy sources. It includes engaging bell ringer prompts, a video quiz with cloze notes, a hands-on lab activity using “four pillars” of energy evaluation, and a data analysis exercise on global low-carbon electricity trends. This lesson is designed to foster critical thinking and teamwork, encouraging students to consider the trade-offs in real-world energy policy.
Activities
Video
Play this short video on energy choices 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 and cloze notes.
Data Set
Have students analyze electricity generation by low-carbon sources and answer questions. Review key terms, then discuss trends as a class.
Hands On - Teacher Guide
Download this teacher guide to assist students in exploring how different energy sources are selected and prioritized in the real world.
Hands On - Student Guide
Use this handout with students to analyze energy cards and make decisions based on four key criteria: affordability, availability, reliability, and sustainability.
Teacher Guide
Download this teacher guide that serves as a walkthrough with answers for the Introduction to Energy Choices lesson.
Answer Key
This short document provides answers to key activities in the Introduction to Energy Choices lesson.
Downloadables