Power to the People
Students examine how people live "off the grid"Copyright Wikimedia Commons http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/45/Giant_photovoltaic_array.jpg
Students read and evaluate descriptions of how people live "off the grid" using solar power and come to understand better the degree to which that lifestyle is or is not truly independent of technological, economic and cultural infrastructure and resources. In the process, students develop a deeper appreciation of the meaning of "community" and the need for human connection. This activity is geared towards fifth-grade and older students and Internet research capabilities are required. Portions of this activity may be appropriate with younger students.
Engineers help develop renewable energy technologies that are often used by people living "off the grid." Solar, hydro and wind technologies have been developed by engineers to create the power we need to live in a clean environment. Water technologies have been developed for sanitation, as well as power generation for lighting and heating. Solar and wind technologies are also renewable energy sources that engineers develop into useful applications.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Write stories, letters and reports with greater detail and supporting material.
- Choose vocabulary and figures of speech that communicate clearly.
- Draft, revise, edit and proofread for a legible final copy.
- Apply skills in analysis, synthesis, evaluation and explanation to their writing and speaking.