Sustainability is "thee" issue in education today. Incorporating it into lesson plans or making it the subject of a lesson plan is more common in schools as sustainability plays a more crucial role in survival of the species.
In the May 2010 issue of National Science Teachers Association Journal, phyics students at Montpelier High School in Montpelier, Vt., were asked to come up with an idea that might save energy. The teacher first explained the basics about electricity, carbon footprints and other foundational information. The students then began exploring ways to save. Wind turbines, wood pellets, hybrid car analysis, hydroelectric power, and an undershot water wheel used in the local river were a few of the ideas students came up with. Students used class computers to do research and email to contact experts in the various programs. Some experts actually came to theschool to help students with their projects.
Students who chose a hydroelectric project found that they could save the city about a quarter of its electrical costs by restoring the Lane Shops dam in town.
The cool thing about this Unit Plan was not only the innovative ideas students generated, but how technology played a role. Just using email alone saved students time and got them the answers they needed instantaneously. And doing Internet research saved time, too.
This sort of project could be replicated at any school that has computers in the classroom.
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