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Solar Energy Potential Global Inquiry

Provided by: Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education |Published on: October 18, 2023

Lesson Plans

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Synopsis

This lesson examines which areas of the world are best suited for solar energy production, what factors determine the efficacy of solar power generation, and what factors encourage the construction of solar energy projects.
Students will engage with an interactive map that provides information on global solar energy production, a worksheet with formative questions regarding the map's data, and some articles that discuss careers in solar energy production.

Subjects: Civics, Geography, Engineering

Authors: Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education, University of Wisconsin

Region: Africa, North America, USA - West, USA - Midwest, United States, Global, Wisconsin

Languages: English

Positives

This lesson also features a video on solar energy careers and an interactive Solar Careers Map to inspire students to consider careers in clean energy.
The inquiry-based and hands-on nature of the lesson ensures that students stay engaged.

Prerequisites

It may be beneficial if students know what greenhouse gas emissions are and how they contribute to climate change.
An answer key for the Solar Energy Potential Student Worksheet is in the notes for teachers section.
The teacher may want to show students relevant icons, especially the contents button and those that aren't labeled.
The map linked on slide 24 may not load, but it is an additional resource that isn't necessary for this lesson.

Differentiation & Implementation

Students can use the Solar Careers Map for a research project on the solar energy production industry and its growth potential.
Teachers can use this lesson as a conceptual introduction to the history of international climate policy.
This lesson can support a classroom discussion on the different climate policies of various American states and why these differences exist.
This lesson can enhance a classroom discussion on the economic and social systems hindering international efforts to mitigate climate change and how to challenge these systems.
Some parts of the lesson are specific to Wisconsin, but classrooms nationwide can use most of the lesson.
Visit KEEP's Wisconsin Solar Schools Map and Dashboard for additional lessons that support using solar dashboards as an educational tool.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format

All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.