Evaluating the Effects of Local Energy Resource Development

Devin Castendyk, SERC - On the Cutting Edge Collection

This is a semester-long jigsaw project in which students work in teams to explore the effects of energy resource development on local water resources, economics, and society. Students are presented with a contemporary energy resource development issue being debated in their community. They research the water, geological, economic, and social impact of the project, and then either defend or support the development proposal.

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Notes from our reviewers

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Educator will need to provide handouts, as well as a resource list for students, and look up more background reading. Educator would need to provide information about an issue relevant to the region. The educator will need to become familiar with a local issue in order to effectively facilitate this activity; the topic is most relevant when it is local.
Allows for an in-depth exploration of a complex scientific and economic topic - energy development is a multifaceted topic and students will explore many sides of the issue. Comment from expert scientist: It would be useful to add information on future projections of the changing nature of water availability, a larger suite of environmental impacts and the different ways in which an assessment would be framed in different parts of the country.