Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
• Define wind energy
• Explain the benefits of wind energy
• Explain the drawbacks associated with wind energy production
• Discuss the objections made against wind energy
• Critically evaluate wind energy as an alternative energy source for today and tomorrow.

Teaching Process

· Download and print off images of wind turbines and wind farms from the Image Gallery in the Media Centre on the CANWEA website .

· Place students in pairs and provide each pair with one image and with one student worksheet entitled “The Benefits and Challenges of Wind Energy.”

· Ask students to think, pair and share the following (use the brainstorm area on the worksheet):

· What type of energy source does the image show?

· Explain one advantage of the type of energy source shown in the image.

· Explain one disadvantage of the type of energy source shown in the image.

· Invite students to share their ideas on what their image shows and the advantage and disadvantage they have identified.

· Briefly record answers on the board.

· Ensure that you introduce students to the terms “wind turbine” and “wind farm”.

· Instruct students to look and listen carefully as you show the video clip entitled “No Fuel Energy” located on the CANWEA website .

· Encourage students to write down some key facts from the video clip using the prompts provided on the worksheet.

· Share some facts about Wind Power from the Canadian Atlas Online at www.canadiangeographic.ca/wind

· HINT: you may wish to take a few facts and make a simple PowerPoint for the class


Second Lesson

· Download and print off the fact sheets from http://www.canwea.ca/wind-energy/windfacts_e.php.

· Divide the class into groups of two students per group and give each group a fact sheet.

· From the fact sheet students need to identify the benefit and give it a title. Ask students to provide a brief explanation of how wind energy is a benefit.

· Once student groups have completed their synopsis of the benefits, provide each group with an opportunity to inform the rest of the class about the benefit they have identified.

· Now focus on the challenges of wind energy.

· Ask the students to focus on each challenge outlined in the worksheet.

· For each challenge identified, ask students to suggest a solution or a counter-argument to the issue that has been raised. Students may work independently, in pairs or as a whole class (students may require help with this section).

· Moderate the feedback section of this part of the lesson.

· Critical thinking activity – give students about 5 minutes to consider whether the benefits of wind energy outweigh the challenges.

· Instruct students to write a brief paragraph evaluating wind energy as a viable renewable source of energy to meet energy demands for the future (may be completed for homework).

Teachers Notes

*Students activity worksheets are located at the bottom of the attached lesson plan

Instructions for Students

· Using the image provided by your teacher, identify the energy source shown and explain one advantage and one disadvantage of the energy source shown.

· Write your ideas on the brainstorm area of your worksheet entitled “The Benefits and Challenges of Wind Energy.”

· Pair up with a peer and share your thoughts. Be prepared to give feedback to the entire class.

· Give feedback to the class on what you have identified.

· Watch the video clip and write down key facts using the prompts on your worksheet.

· Share what you have learned from the clip with the peers in your class.

· How is the song on the video clip significant?

· From the facts presented by your teacher, write why wind energy is important for Canada as a country.


Second Lesson

· Read the fact sheet with your partner.

· Give your benefit a title and write down a brief explanation of the benefit of wind energy.

· Provide information on what your group has learned about your particular benefit.

· Write brief notes about each benefit in the table provided on your worksheet under Benefits and Challenges.

· For each challenge identified suggest a solution or counter-argument to the issue that has been raised.

· Complete the critical thinking activity on your worksheet

· Use what you have learned about wind energy to justify your answer.

Assessment/Evaluation

Assess the paragraphs written by students. Students must provide a critical evaluation of wind energy and justify their conclusion.