The students explore different renewable energy technologies and their benefits. The aim is to research a specific renewable energy technology (e.g., solar, wind, hydro) and create a Powtoon animation to explain how it works and its advantages. At the end, the students present the animations to the class, followed by a discussion on the feasibility and benefits of various renewable energy sources.
| Learning Scenario Identity | |
| Title | JYU18: Renewable Energy Projects |
| Length | 90 minutes |
| Main idea/description | The students explore different renewable energy technologies and their benefits. The aim is to research a specific renewable energy technology (e.g., solar, wind, hydro) and create a Powtoon animation to explain how it works and its advantages. At the end, the students present the animations to the class, followed by a discussion on the feasibility and benefits of various renewable energy sources. |
| Target group | 12-15 years old |
| Curriculum/learning subjects | Geography; Biology; Social studies |
| Competencies | The students will learn about renewable energy sources and how to use digital tools for presentations |
| Teachers’ wellness competences | TC5: Emotional leadership/ e-mediacy |
| Learning Scenario Framework | |
| Pedagogical method | PI6. Encouraging engagement (Engage students in self-directed and dedicated learning) |
| Software/materials | The main digital too used is Powtoon (presentation creation). However, PowerPoint or Google Slides can also be used for this purpose.Online delivery: This activity can also be delivered online, for example through video conferencing such as Zoom. The worksheets can be provided to students online (e.g., through Google Docs). The activity can also be carried out as an individual activity, if it is difficult to get the students to work together. However, group work can be arranged, e.g., through break-out rooms. The students can share their presentations to the class e.g. through screen/audio sharing. The final discussion can also be organized in small groups or together as a class.The students should be encouraged to try out the different features of the app, if they are not familiar with it already. The teacher should also be able to support the students in the use of the app. |
| Evaluation tools | The Powtoon presentations can be used for evaluation purposes. Additionally, the discussion questions can be used to reflect on the learning process. |
| Learning Scenario Implementation | |
| Learning activities (description, duration, worksheets) | Introduction (10 minutes)Activity: Discuss the importance of renewable energy and introduce the activity. Materials: Presentation slides or a short video on renewable energy. Research (35 minutes)Activity: Students research a specific renewable energy technology (e.g., solar, wind, hydro). Materials: Research worksheet (provided below). Animation Creation (30 minutes)Activity: Students create Powtoon animations explaining how the technology works and its advantages. Materials: Devices, access to Powtoon.Sharing and Discussion (15 minutes)Activity: Students present their animations to the class, followed by a discussion on the feasibility and benefits of various renewable energy sources. Materials: Presentation device, discussion prompts (worksheet provided below). Worksheet 1: Research Choose a specific renewable energy technology to do research on. Technologies: [ ] Solar Energy: Captures sunlight using solar panels to generate electricity or heat. [ ] Wind Energy: Uses wind turbines to convert wind into electricity. [ ] Hydropower: Generates electricity by using the flow of water through dams or turbines. [ ] Geothermal Energy: Harnesses heat from beneath the Earth’s surface to generate electricity or provide heating. [ ] Biomass Energy: Produces energy from organic materials like wood, agricultural residues, and animal waste. [ ] Tidal Energy: Uses the movement of tides to generate electricity. [ ] Wave Energy: Captures energy from surface waves on the ocean. [ ] Hydrogen Energy: Produces energy through chemical reactions involving hydrogen, often using electrolysis powered by renewable sources. [ ] Ocean Thermal Energy: Utilizes temperature differences between warmer surface water and colder deep water to generate electricity. More specific description of how it works: Advantages: Challenges: Worksheet 2: Discussion Reflect on the activity 1. What do you think is the most important thing that you learned today? 2. What are the main benefits of using renewable energy sources? 3. Which renewable energy source do you think is the most effective and why? 4. Can you think of any local renewable energy projects in our community? |