Debating the Grid Example

Cheryl Manning, Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network (CLEAN)

Students research electricity, its sources, how energy grids function, how to make grids most efficient, and how to bring different types of energy generation together to diversify grids. Students debate the costs and benefits of moving to a modernized Smart Grid.

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Notes from our reviewers

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This unit utilizes other CLEAN resources. Educators may want to consider which resources they will use and organize them in advance as it may get challenging to keep track of them. Preparation for running a classroom debate would be beneficial if teacher does not have experience with this type of student learning activity.
In this unit, students investigate electricity and energy grids. They learn about electricity sources, regional differences in sources and grids, electricity waste, renewable sources of energy and sustainability, and stakeholders involved in energy policy decisions. Students then debate the costs, benefits, and impacts of maintaining a Smart Grid in the US. Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.
This unit utilizes many CLEAN resources to help students learn about electricity generation and electricity grids. The final assignment is an argument-based activity that allows students to debate the costs and benefits of developing and maintaining a Smart Grid in the US, where they need to synthesize the other information they've learned. This unit includes argument-driven inquiry that is geared towards AP level classes. Unit could be adapted and scaffolded for other HS level classes. This activity also stresses that body language and respecting other opinions are important in communications, and the rubric includes these elements.