Let's create continuous conversations about climate change education: Spreading the Sediment of Science!
Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaics
Provided by: Project Drawdown |Published on: October 19, 2023
Articles/Websites Grades 9-12, ap-college
Synopsis
- This article discusses the difference between utility-scale solar photovoltaics (PVs) and conventional power plants, the growth of solar PVs since 2005, and how many CO2 equivalent emissions could be reduced if utility-scale solar PVs continue to grow.
- Students will read about the benefits of using solar panels to generate electricity, the cost savings and expected reductions in emissions by 2050, and the feasibility of two different adoption scenarios.
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Economics, Engineering
Authors: Project Drawdown
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This article has a robust references section and additional resources to explore.
- This article acknowledges that energy use needs to decrease (through efficiency and less waste) in order to properly mitigate climate change.
Additional Prerequisites
- Students should understand how electricity is generated in fuel-based plants to see the huge benefit of solar PVs for air quality, land conservation, water quality, and toxic waste reduction.
- If you click a link in the references section, you won't be taken to a new tab.
Differentiation
- To assess prior knowledge, the teacher can ask the class questions about solar panels before reading the article and have them research the process of electricity generation.
- Students can use this article for a persuasive essay on why the world needs to quickly transition to renewable energy sources and the economic incentives to do so.
- This article can support a classroom discussion on the American government's effectiveness at moving the country towards renewable energy or on the connection between energy usage and socioeconomic status.
- Science classes can utilize this article as an example of a brief scientific paper. Have students use it as a guide to create their own report from a lab experiment or research assignment.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
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Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
Project Drawdown
Project Drawdown is a nonprofit organization that seeks to help the world reach “drawdown”—the future point in time when levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere stop climbing and start to steadily decline. Cities, universities, corporations, philanthropies, policymakers, communities, educators, activists, and more turn to Project Drawdown as they look to advance effective climate action. Project Drawdown resources for educators include the database of Drawdown Solutions, educational video series Climate Solutions 101, the Drawdown Stories initiative, and more.
All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.
