cognitive flexibility hypertext - k-12 - is america ready to go green?

Detailed Description:

Is the world running out of energy? Once again, U.S. policy makers expounded the importance of getting off foreign oil, while fuel efficient alternatives enjoyed popularity. However, by late 2008, a massive market downturn ravaged green energy stocks and household incomes. Gas prices dove lower and consumer spending plummeted. Despite growing awareness, many Americans are still confused by the alternative energy push. Concepts such as “clean coal” or the need for renewable energy are often accepted as factual without critical consideration. Simple questions on the direction in which government should push offer almost unlimited conflicting answers from every perspective.

This constructivist learning environment (CLE) will help students to learn to critically analyze the debates surrounding alternative energy and form their own opinions. It will present opposing perspectives on the questions alternative energy poses to America’s energy, security, and economic future. It will question if renewable energy are a necessity or a distraction. It will consider what costs alternatives pose to our economy or our environment; and what motivates government, industry, and individuals to support certain energy alternatives. Students will be encouraged to independently explore the motives and reasoning behind the push for alternative energy and form their own opinions on energy policy. The course will be designed to encourage students to broaden their perspectives and think critically about environmental and economic policy issues. This CFH will also encourage students to think critically about media and government representation of any policy issue – a skill that will transfer well into the complex topics which they address in school and in adult life.

Learning Outcomes:

The learners will be able to:

• Apply critical thinking and analysis towards alternative energy themes, cases, and policy issues.
• Effectively formulate opinions, engage in debate, and cite relevant examples to support a well-founded argument.
• Comprehend the potential costs, risks, and benefits of alternative energies.
• Describe the conflicting motives behind the push for alternative fuels and other green energy initiatives.
• Contrast American’s growing demand for energy with the long-term investment in renewable and alternative fuels.
• Draft their own policy position using the energy initiatives or technologies of their choice.