Description

Overview:

SYNOPSIS: In this lesson, students use algebra to calculate the number of wind turbines needed to power a local community.

SCIENTIST NOTES: This lesson has students determine the energy generated from a wind turbine. They would be able to analyze the number of units needed for a household, a community, or a small town and share with their community the pros and cons of investing in wind power. All materials were thoroughly reviewed, and this lesson has passed the credibility review process.

POSITIVES:
-Students use their algebra skills in a real-world application.
-The calculations are relevant to students because they estimate the number of wind turbines needed for their own city.
-Students practice supporting their ideas with evidence, which is a skill that is applicable across all disciplines.

ADDITIONAL PREREQUISITES:
-This is lesson 3 of 5 in the 6th-8th grade Renewable Energy Algebra unit.
-Students will need calculators.
-Teachers may need to provide the population of their city to students for question 5 on the Student Document.
-One-to-one technology is ideal. If this is not possible, omit questions 9 and 10 on the Student Document or complete these questions as a class.

DIFFERENTIATION:
-Teachers can have students work in pairs or small groups to complete the calculations instead of individually.
-The discussion at the end of the lesson could be done as a whole group instead of first in pairs.
-Teachers can complete the first few questions with students to get them started before letting them work individually.

Subject:

Mathematics

Level:

Middle School

Material Type:

Lesson Plan

Author:

Effie Albitz, Mallory Swafford

Provider:

SubjectToClimate

Date Added:

06/30/2023