In this unit, students will become experts in a specific energy source that is used to generate electricity. They will be able to identify the difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources, research their energy source, and present their findings to the class in order to teach them about the advantages and disadvantages of their energy source. Students will focus their research on the environmental impact of their energy source on tropical rainforests.
Students will be able to discern the impact of fossil fuels on the climate and how climate change is negatively impacting tropical rainforests. They will also research the impact of hydropower and dam building, prospecting and drilling for oil (and oil spills), and using biomass on tropical rainforests. They will come to an understanding of how energy sources and their use affect tropical rainforest in a variety of ways. Students will also be able to identify that renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power reduce our dependence on other energy sources and can help reduce deforestation and climate change impacts, and potentially support reforestation efforts. Even then, there are trade-offs to using these sources that have potential negative effects on our planet.
