Unit 5:

Focus:
This is a Problem-Based Learning unit in which students build up to a capstone lesson and a presentation to the public.

In this unit, students focus on renewable and nonrenewable resources. They study how people use resources for energy. In addition, they examine the engineering design behind new technologies that protect the environment.

The energy we use is derived ultimately from Earth’s natural resources, which can be classified as either nonrenewable or renewable.

Renewable energy sources include wind, hydroelectric, solar, geothermal, and tidal.

Nonrenewable energy sources include fossil fuels and nuclear energy.

Students learn examples of how unwise use of resources can damage the air, land, and water around us. Then they examine how, on the individual level, they can do many things to protect the environment while using energy society needs.