6.2 Solar, Wind or Biomass: Who Will Be the Next Alternative Energy Star for Agriculture
This middle school lesson (MS.NR.6.2) from the Pork Checkoff Food and Agricultural Literacy Curriculum teaches students how alternative energy sources—solar, wind, and biomass—are used in agriculture. Through an interest-approach paper-wad race, a “Go Get It” fact-finding activity, and a “Meteorologist” weather-report review, students explore agricultural applications such as solar panels, wind turbines, ethanol, biodiesel, and methane digesters.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
-
- As a result of this unit the students will… Describe alternative energy sources utilized in the United States.
- As a result of this lesson the students will… Describe how alternative energy sources are used in agriculture.
- Time required
- Instruction time for this lesson: 45 minutes.
- Grade level
- Middle School
- Materials
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- Overhead projector/transparencies
- MS.NR.6.2.TM.A – one per teacher
- MS.NR.6.2.AS.A – one per student (notes page)
- MS.NR.6.2.AS.B – one per teacher (copy and cut apart to distribute for Go Get It e-Moment)
- Two pieces of paper balled up
- MS.NR.6.2.ASSESS.A – one per student
- Precepts
- A. Action; A3. Plan Effectively
- Key Terms
- ethanol, biodiesel, methane
Downloads & Links
Aligned Standards
National Standards
- BS.01.01.02.aInvestigate current applications of biotechnology in agriculture.
- CS.01.01.03.cImplement an effective project plan.
- NL-ENG.K-12.12Applying Language Skills
- NS.5-8.5Science and Technology
- PST.01.01.01.aIdentify renewable and nonrenewable energy sources and pathways of delivery.