Renewable Energy
General Info
Created By | Chris Willems |
School | High School |
Location | New Haven, CT |
Role | Teacher |
About the Lesson
Subject Area | Science |
Grade | High School (9 - 12) |
Lesson/Unit | Renewable Energy |
Using the QFT
Place in the Unit/Lesson | Beginning |
Brief description of the unit | In this unit we explore the challenge of global warming. We look for solutions to this dire threat to our species. |
Final QFocus | Renewable energy sources should replace fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. |
Student Work
Student Questions
Priority questions in bold
Group 1
- Does hydroelectric energy require clean water in order to run?
- Is renewable energy expensive?
- Why can’t we use renewable energy as much as we use coal and oil?
Group 2
- What would the benefit be into replacing the fossil fuels with renewable?
- What is a fossil fuel?
- Are fossil fuels created by material that used to be living things?
Group 3
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Does it cost more to use renewable sources and if so by how much?
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What was the first newable source?
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How many households in CT use renewable sources?
Group 4
- What’s the cheapest renewable energy source and why?
- How do these renewable energy sources benefit the environment?
- What do each of these energy sources do?
Group 5
- How much does it cost to have solar energy in normal houses?
- Is renewable energy weaker than unrenewable energy?
- What can average people do to save the world from fossil fuels?
Group 6
- Will it reduce global warming?
- Will windmills work?
- How long will it take for the resource to work?
Group 7
- What is carbon?
- How much carbon is too much carbon?
- What are the three main numbers in “Do the Math”?
Group 8
- Which energy source is proven to be one of the most resourceful?
- When was renewable energy first officially used?
- Which is most expensive: renewable energy sources or fossil fuels?
Group 9
- Will it help the environment?
- Is it a good thing or a bad thing?
- How will it help?
Group 10
- What happens if we run out of coal/oil from using too much?
- What if too much water causes the hydroelectric to flood, what happens to the power?
- How is oil harmful to the earth if it comes from the earth?
Group 11
- How do you make oil?
- How do you get energy from water?
- Why were people given jobs to work with oil?
Group 12
- How do you know the energy is renewable?
- Is there a need to find alternative energy source to replace fossil fuels?
- Would replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy help the environment?
Group 13
- What are the advantages of renewable energy sources over fossil fuels?
- What are the disadvantages of renewable energy sources over fossil fuels?
- Do you think renewable energy sources should replace fossil fuels?
Group 14
- Is there/will there be a solution to the 15 year pollution danger?
Group 15
- What is a fossil fuel?
- Why do we use fossil fuels?
- What will happen if we use too much fossil fuel?
Group 16
- What will happen if the world temperature goes past 2 degrees Celcius?
- What are renewable resources?
- How can we replace oil with renewable energy?
Group 17
- Is there a more efficient way of getting energy?
- Will we die from this?
- Is this affecting the human body right now?
Group 18
- Where do you get coal from?
- Why do people get fined for littering?
How did Students Use their Questions
Students were challenged to create a solar cooker that would melt chocolate for a s’more.
What were your prioritization instructions?
Categorize questions in closed or open-ended.
Teacher Reflections
I have spent a lot of time refining my use of the QFT process. It works well for me because I have read the entire book, taken notes, and applied them to the handouts that guide the process.
My next goal is to make a stronger connection between the questions students generate and the product they create to demonstrate their learning.
I will spend more time working on the design of the final product.