Energy Consumption Rates across the USA and the World

Students use Google Earth to analyze oil consumption per capita in the US and around the world. Students then use spreadsheets to create graphs and calculate statistics regarding per capita energy use among various categories.

Go To:

https://serc.carleton.edu/sp/library/google_earth/examples/energy.html

Glenn A. Richard

SERC - Pedagogy in Action Collection

Notes From Our Reviewers

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Teaching Tips

There are underlying assumptions and contributing reasons for varying energy use around the world. The students may need some explanations and clarifications.

Activity needs a grading rubric.

Flexible teaching and learning strategies applicable.

Students will ideally have some prior knowledge/experience with Google Earth.

Additional background information available from Energy Information Administration http://www.eia.doe.gov.

Comment from expert scientist: Data on the sites that are linked in this activity should be checked for timeliness by the educator.

About the Science

Many approaches are used in the activity to examine the data such as globes, maps, tables, and spreadsheets.

About the Pedagogy

Very well-structured worksheet for students with all of the links to data embedded.

Students examine, compare, and interpret data.

Activity meets the needs of visual learners with engaging and motivating images.

Educator's guide is extensive and offers suggestions for scaffolding of prerequisite technological knowledge.

Technical Details

All materials are printable, editable, and available online.

Literacy and Resources

Relation Link:

http://cleanet.org/resources/41902.html

Climate Literacy:

GP e Strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emission (energy conservation, renewable energies, change in energy use)

Humans can take action

Topics:

Fossil Fuels

Usage Trends

Energy Policy

Grade Level:

College Lower (13-14)

High School (9-12)