Overarching Question: "WILL IT EVER RUN OUT?"
Learning Areas - Science, SOCE
Year Levels - 4
SACSA Learning Bands - Primary Years
Unit Length - 6 weeks
The Inquiry Overview
Through the subject areas of Science and SOCE, students will develop an enduring understanding of how their actions can lead to a sustainable future for all. As students acquire factual knowledge students are able to critically analyse and evaluate existing energy sources and possible future options into viable renewable energy sources. Throughout this learning experience students understandings will be enhanced through the use of ICT, Web 2.0 tools and collaborative working environments. Many opportunities for authentic experiences will enable students to engage with representatives from the community who have specific expertise in their relevant fields. Students will then be applying their knowledge and understandings as they collaboratively design and produce a digital presentation.
SACSA Essential Learnings
Futures
Interdependance
Communication
Learners...
Build on their prior knowledge.
Demonstrate connections between energy production and its uses within their lives.
Understand what is needed to sustain their home, school and wider community.
Work cooperatively within collaboration groups to achieve agreed outcomes.
Use initiative to take action.
Resources
Learning Objects from the Learning Federation
Ed.Voicethread
EduBlogs
Voxpops ref: Chiert, J & Hunsberger, B 2004, All you need to teach drama ages 8-10. Macmillan Education, South Yarra.
Windfarm Visit: Starfish Hill Wind Farm near Cape Jervis.
Guest Speaker
IWB
Fiction/Non fiction Books
Internet Connection/computer laboratory
SACSA framework key ideas
Science:
Students identify some energy sources, critically analyse current patterns of energy use and write scenarios to describe how they and others could better use energy in the future. [F] [Id] [C] [KC1] [KC2]
SOCE:
Students consider sustainability and care of resources and places as they explore how people’s attitudes and values affect their interactions with natural features and cycles. [F] [In] [KC6]
SACSA framework Outcomes
Science
2.3 - Identifies, plans and acts on ways in which they can better use energy in their lives. [F] [In] [C] [KC1] [KC2]
SOCE
2.6 - Understands that people cause changes in natural, built and social environments, and they act together in solving problems to ensure ecological sustainability. [F] [In] [KC6]
Enduring Understandings
Students will understand that...
Renewable energy sources are needed to exist.
There are many different forms of renewable energy.
An adjustment in how the population lives needs to be made to cope with change.
Fossil fuels will run out.
Essential Questions
Why do we need renewable energies?
In the future, how will we survive without renewable energy?
Will alternative energy sources meet world needs?
Conceptual Knowledge
Students will KNOW:
The different renewable energy sources.
Various uses renewable energies provide.
Basic knowledge of the impact of fossil fuels.
How renewable energies imapct on their personal lives and within the community.
Action needs to be taken in preserving energy sources.
Skills for Students
What skills they will be able to DO:
Research – internet and books.
Use a reflective learning blog.
Deliver a digital presentation.
Reinforce collaborative work.
Competently use selected Web 2.0 tools and ICT.