The Big Energy Gamble

Notes from our reviewers

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• Teaching Tips
  Clarification - sentence in the foreword: "Some scientists believe that this increase is due to greenhouse gases produced through human activities" is incorrect, because "based on data, scientists have concluded that human activities have caused increases in greenhouse gases." Since consumption is based on formulas with units of power and energy, the educator may have to help students with their calculations. The educator is asked to set up a blog for student research purposes. Technical help to set that up in advance may be necessary. The extension activity for a school audit is very highly recommended, including a guided discussion on what energy use means for the school would be really helpful. To avoid issues of equity, use a sample bill (rather than students' using their own homes).
• About the Science
  Activity addresses ways of reducing carbon dioxide output and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted for different types of energy. Comment from Expert Scientist: Each kWh should cost 10 cents not 12 cents to be consistent with the calculation: If a 200-Watt TV were left on 12 hours and each kWh costs 10 CENTS the cost to run the run the TV for all night for one month would be $7.20 (200 Watts for 12 Hours = 2.4 Kilowatt-Hours; 2.4 Kilowatt-Hours x $0.10 per Kilowatt-Hour = $0.24; $0.24 x 30 days = $7.20).
• About the Pedagogy
  Engaging data sheets are included. Activity is very relevant to students' lives. Students uncover answers for themselves in a project-based format. Good background material is given for students and educators. Good links for energy conservation are included with activity. A rubric is included for assessing student work. Great links with fun game, and tips for saving energy are part of the lesson. The activity integrates a good NOVA video clip (4m 33s) from The Big Energy Gamble.
• Technical Details/Ease of Use
  Activity is well organized and laid out, better than black box online calculators. Note that NSTAR is now Eversource, and that the sample NSTAR electric bill referred to in Step 3 is no longer available. Video clip from NOVA's The Big Energy Gamble was not accessible as of October 2016.