LEARN NC

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

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.

Resources aligned to this objective

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.
Technology and stress on the environment
Students will build a bubble-powered rocket and “blast it off.” Students will examine the stress to their immediate environment, alternative choices, and the cost of repairing the damage. They will list other types of technology and possible environmental stress.
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
By Geol 130.

Lesson plans on the web

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)
Provider: National Council on Economic Education
The economics of income which “wood” you choose?
Students follow weblinks and listen to video describing the connection between national development and use of natural materials. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Computer Technology Skills, Science, and Social Studies)
Provider: National Council on Economic Education
Energy: The U.S. in crisis?
Students will evaluate economic, political, and social impacts that have led California to its near critical energy situation. This lesson focuses on how decisions are made on many levels and how those decisions involve trade-offs of economic costs and social values. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: 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 a nuclear power plant in Chornobyl, Ukraine. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: 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. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: American Association for the Advancement of Science
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)
Provider: 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)
Provider: National Geographic
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 government, planners, and residents should take into consideration when planning for future developments. (Learn more)
Format: lesson plan (grade 9–12 Science)
Provider: 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)
Provider: National Council on Economic Education
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)
Provider: National Geographic