CSX Trains Carbon Calculator
A short FFA lesson plan in which students use the CSX online Carbon Calculator to compare CO2 emissions from shipping goods by train versus by truck. Using the “Further for Less by Train” worksheet, students record rail cars, trucks, and emissions data for various commodities and reflect on why considering emissions matters. The resource includes the lesson plan, the student worksheet, and an answer key.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
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- Use a Carbon Calculator to evaluate the CO2 emissions produced by shipping goods via train versus trucks.
- Compare the benefits of transporting goods by train versus trucks.
- Articulate why they believe it's important to understand production of CO2 emissions.
- Time required
- 30 minutes
- Materials
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- A copy of the "Further for Less by Train" worksheet for each student.
- Internet access for students to complete the worksheets.
- Resources
- FFA.org; Website: CSX: Carbon Calculator: https://www.csx.com/index.cfm/about-us/responsibility/environment-and-efficiency/carbon-calculator/
- This Quick Lesson Plan Would Work Well As
- A portion of an environmental service systems curriculum; a portion of a food products/processing systems curriculum; a portion of a power, structural and technical systems curriculum; a portion of an agricultural companies lesson/unit.
Downloads & Links
Aligned Standards
AFNR Career Ready Practices
- CRP.02Apply appropriate academic and technical skills. Career-ready individuals readily access and use the knowledge and skills acquired through experience and education to be more productive.
AFNR Cluster Skills
- CS.06Analyze the interaction among AFNR systems in the production, processing and management of food, fiber and fuel and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Common Career Technical Core
- AG6Analyze the interaction among AFNR systems in the production, processing, and management of food, fiber, and fuel and the sustainable use of natural resources.
Common Core – Literacy in Science & Technical Subjects: Writing
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9-10.6Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology's capacity to link to other information and to display information flexibly and dynamically.
Common Core – Reading: Informational Text
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.9-10.3Analyze how the author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which the points are made, how they are introduced and developed, and the connections that are drawn between them.
Common Core – Science & Technical Subjects
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.4Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific scientific or technical context relevant to grades 9-10 texts and topics.
Common Core – Speaking and Listening
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9-10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
Common Core – Writing
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.1Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
FFA Precept
- FFA-CS-M.CommunicationEffectively interact with others in personal and professional settings.
- FFA.PG-J.Mental GrowthEmbrace cognitive and intellectual development relative to reasoning, thinking and coping.
NASDCTEc
- AGC05.02Identify how key organizational systems affect organizational performance and the quality of products and services to demonstrate an understanding of how AFNR systems are managed and improved.