Grade 9 Curriculum Links

Subject: Geography

Curriculum Strands: Human Environment Interactions

Curriculum Topics: Energy

Overall Expectations met by this tour:

• ◘ demonstrate the relationship of Canada's renewable and non-renewable resources to the Canadian economy;
• ◘ evaluate various ways of ensuring resource sustainability in Canada

Specific Expectations met by this tour:

Building Knowledge and Understanding

• ◘ describe the regional distribution of Canada's energy sources and the relative importance of each source;

Developing and Practising Skills

• ◘ assess the feasibility of using selected renewable and alternative energy sources (e.g., solar, wind, tidal, hydrogen fuel cell) to implement conservation strategies;

Learning Through Application

• ◘ recommend ways in which individuals can contribute to the quality of life in their home, local ecozone, province, nation, and the world.

Description of Tour:

Students will complete two energy audits in this workshop, one of their own homes, and one of the EcoHouse.  Through a short tour (30 min) of the EcoHouse, students will be exposed to energy-saving technology and practices and discover ways to conserve energy in their own homes and school.  From the differences they discovered in performing the energy audits, students will be able to identify the areas where change is needed most if they are to reduce their energy use.   Methods of conservation to reduce their energy demand, as well as potential for renewable energy sources in their homes will also be discussed.  (In a follow up activity to be carried out in the classroom, after committing to and practising three energy conservation methods for two weeks, students will redo their home energy audits and report on any changes and why or why not the changes made a difference as well as complete a sheet designed to size a renewable energy system to meet their residential needs.)