Introduction

Welcome to the Energy Matchmaking Gallery Walk, an engaging, hands-on activity designed to help students explore and analyze different energy sources. Perfect for both introducing and reviewing energy concepts, this activity encourages critical thinking and collaborative discussion.

Materials

• Scenario Cards
• Energy Profile Cards

Structure

In this gallery walk, students will rotate through stations featuring various scenarios with different environmental factors, each requiring a specific energy solution. Their challenge? To “date” and “match-make” the most suitable energy profile to each scenario based on the characteristics, advantages, and limitations of the energy source, with justifications.

After completing the match-making process, students will analyze the energy profiles each scenario garnered, engaging in guided discussion that encourages thoughtful reflection and a broader perspective on energy solutions. This discussion will help students critically evaluate the practicality and trade-offs of various energy sources, empowering them to think like problem-solvers in real-world contexts.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Teacher Preparation

1. Print out the Scenario Cards and post them around the classroom.
2. View the Energy Profile Cards. The Energy Profiles for each energy source can be printed out for each group of students or can be provided for them digitally. Students will also need the note cards to write their energy choice justifications. If printed, each student will need 10 note cards (one for each energy source), along with a clipboard and adhesive to attach them to the scenario cards. Another option is to instruct students to write their justifications (with name and energy source profile) on a sticky note instead.
3. Switch Classroom free lessons and activities can be used to help provide background information for this activity. A great place to start is the Introduction to Environmental Impacts lesson (video and quiz).

Introduction to the Activity

1. Provide the energy profile cards to students (printed or digital). Explain the objective: students will match-make the energy profile cards with the scenarios posted around the classroom, by deciding which energy source best fits each situation.
2. Have the students read the energy profiles. Alternatively, make it a class discussion by discussing each energy profile card one-by-one. This ensures that students are engaging with the definitions of each energy source.
3. Emphasize the importance of writing a clear justification for their choice on their printed note card or sticky note, focusing on the advantages and limitations of the energy source in relation to the scenario.

Matchmaking Phase

1. Students will circulate around the room, stopping to read each scenario. For each scenario, students will review the problem, select the best-matching energy source profile as a solution, and use their clipboard and pen to write a brief justification for their choice.
2. They will then attach their note card or sticky note to the scenario area using the adhesive provided.

Observation of Peer Choices

As students progress, they will have the opportunity to see the justifications left by their peers. Encourage them to reflect on the reasoning of others and consider diverse perspectives.

Completion of the Gallery Walk

1. Once students have placed all of their energy cards and written justifications for each, they will return to their seats.
2. The teacher will collect the scenario papers, along with their attached energy profile justification notes.

Class Discussion and Analysis

• As a class, review each scenario one at a time and discuss. Use this discussion to explore trade-offs, strengths, and limitations of various energy sources in different contexts.
  
  Which energy source(s) were the most popular for the scenario? Why?
  
  Which energy source(s) were chosen less frequently or left off the board entirely? What might be the reasons?
  
  Were there any unexpected choices or particularly strong justifications that stood out?
  
• Optionally, ask students to write a reflection paragraph on what they learned about energy sources and decision-making through the activity. Alternatively, they could pick one of their choices and explain their justifications and reasoning thoroughly in a more developed paragraph.

Assessment

Optional Extension

Have students research real-world locations that are similar to the gallery walk scenarios, and study their energy consumption data to discover and analyze what the real energy mix is in those locations.

Research Links

• Our World in Data
• U.S. Energy Information Administration