LEARN NC

K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Earth/Environmental Science

Goal 2: The learner will build an understanding of lithospheric materials, tectonic processes, and the human and environmental impacts of natural and human-induced changes in the lithosphere.

Objective 2.07. Analyze the sources and impacts of society's use of energy.

  • Renewable and non-renewable sources.
  • The impact of human choices on Earth and its systems.

Additional related resources

We’re in the process of aligning our content for students to the Standard Course of Study. As we do, you’ll find it here.

General resources

Aligned lesson plans

Who has seen the wind? Harnessing alternative energy
In this lesson plan, students conduct a series of investigations in order to understand issues surrounding the production of energy from wind, informed by the video "Roping the Wind in Texas" on the Powering a Nation website. Activities include discussing a video about the siting of a wind farm in Texas; conducting calculations based on local wind data; and using Google Earth, windNavigator software, and hands-on investigations to assess the potential for producing wind energy in the students' local area.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts and Science)
By Linda Schmalbeck.
Soil and erosion unit: Section 2
This unit will involve descriptive information on North Carolina soil types and how the presence of plants affects soil erosion. This section should be begun only after completion of Soil and erosion unit: Section 1.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
By Amy Robertson.
Evaluating woody biomass options for North Carolina's electricity future
In this high-school lesson, students learn about the pros and cons of co-firing woody biomass fuels with coal to produce electricity.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies)
By Dana Haine.

Resources on the web

Understanding wilderness
In this lesson, students will discuss the concept of wilderness and the role that wilderness preservation has played throughout American history. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
Save the moonflowers
Students learn about botanical artist Margaret Mee and her impact on the preservation of rare flowers in the rainforests, including the moonflower. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: National Council on Economic Education
Planning for a city's future
Students work in groups to pretend they are consultants who have been hired by the city government. As consultants they will investigate the city's history and geography and report on what significant historical and geographical information the present city... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
Natural resources extraction
This Xpeditions lesson encourages students to think about where the natural resources we use come from and the processes by which these resources are extracted. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
The great energy debate
This lesson explores the controversial issues surrounding the energy debate in the United States. Students will research recent initiatives being taken in this area and analyze their implications. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
The fish trade
The purpose of this lesson is to examine the interdependence of global trade in the context of the economic and social aspects of fisheries and aquaculture. When studying global interdependence within a science literacy context the purpose is not to promote... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Fallout from Chornobyl
Students should recognize that changes to the environment in one place can often affect other, distant places. To introduce and reinforce this concept, students will read and analyze several articles describing consequences of the 1986 explosion and fire at... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: National Geographic
Energy: The U.S. in crisis?
This is a single lesson in which students will study and assess the California energy situation. They will evaluate economic, political, and social impacts that have led California to its near critical energy situation. This lesson focuses on how decisions... (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Blowing in the wind
In this lesson, students determine the feasibility of wind generation in different areas of the United States and examine the costs and benefits of wind energy. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provided by: National Council on Economic Education