Playing It Cool:A Renewable Energy Economics Game
Description
This game simulates some of the economic changes necessary to make renewables succeed as large-scale electricity sources. Students buy and sell electricity from various sources—coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear, and renewables—under a variety of economic conditions. By seeing prices rise and fall, students learn about economic barriers and opportunities for renewables.
Time Required: three to five 45-minute class periods
Language: English
Learning Objectives
Students will:
1. Observe that the relative price of renewables changes according to environmental regulations, renewables’ availability, economic infrastructure, and the prices of fossil fuel and nuclear power.
2. Be able to explain how these economic conditions affect the price of renewables.
3. Understand the concept of a “level playing field.” A level playing field is a state of open economic competition where energy sources are subsidized equally and where an energy source’s environmental cost is reflected in its price.
Teachers Notes
*Complete lesson plan and student handouts can be found on page 50 of the attached web link
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Administration:Edit Resource
Source:Union of Concerned Scientists
Resource Type:Lesson Plan
Subject(s):Mathematics, Economics, Social Studies,
Topic:Business and Economics, Science and Technology,
Level:Intermediate / MiddleSecondary
Grade: 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12