The United States of Energy

Notes from our reviewers

The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials.

• Teaching Tips
  Probably best used as an introduction to fuels and energy usage. There are a lot of graphics presented in a long list. The map of the United States regional energy resources is the most useful to use in energy-related activities.
• About the Science
  This series of visualizations shows a breakdown of energy sources by state, type, change over time, usage, and source. It gives a good overview of how energy use has risen since 1949 in the US, how more energy is now imported since 1956 than produced, and how different states create and source their energy. Visualization may be outdated - this is from 2011, and much has changed, particularly in the renewable sector and natural gas. Comments from expert scientist: Scientific strengths: The resource provides a really neat summary of the energy portfolio for every State. Data are detailed and the aesthetic of the visualization format is outstanding. Comments: Is nuclear a really 'clean' energy as stated in one of the plots in the resource? This is true if considering carbon emissions only. Some of the data in the version 1 of the resource are 15 years old. Data used in the version 2 are more recent.
• About the Pedagogy
  A good way to introduce use of fuels and energy sources in the US. Visually appealing. Does contain a lot of graphics and basic information.
• Technical Details/Ease of Use
  Good visuals, easy to scroll through the data, which appears and hides as the visual moves. The beginning focuses only on the Great Plains/Rockies area, then Oklahoma, and then broadens out to the greater US. Graphics are clear and effective in displaying information.