June 2001
From residential use to agriculture, transportation, communications and industry, our modern way of life is entirely dependant upon the large-scale consumption of energy. California has been hit hard in the last year by the rising cost of electricity and fuels, while the rest of the nation wonders how vulnerable they are to similar disruptions and price hikes.
Use this article from MSN to explore the impact of the energy crisis on a small California town and as a springboard for discussion and classroom activities about renewable and nonrenewable sources of energy, energy conservation, and planning for our future energy needs.
Related Web Sites
California Independent Systems Operators: This is the Web site of the agency which runs California's power grid. You can check the current conditions, get information on California's power system, and pick up tips on conserving energy.
California's Energy Crisis: SF Gate has a web site dedicated to the California energy crisis. It includes links to breaking news as well as background information. More focused on the politics and policy end of energy in California.
The Why Files: The Why Files have several stories on energy, targeted at high school readers.
- Nuclear Returns from the Dead - April 2001
- Natural Gas up 50% - October 2000
- Pinch at the pump - December 1999
- Positive Energy - August 1998
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: This Web site from the Energy Foundation presents an essay on solving the California energy crisis with energy efficiency and renewable energy. For the student who wants to know more. Along the same lines, a Web site called Energy On Line from LCG consulting provides forum for energy discussions as well as reports and analyses of the energy marketplace.
Information on energy sources
: International forum for current news in the field of nuclear energy production.
Related Classroom Activities and Discussion Topics
Energy Information Adminstration: This is a Department of Energy Web site, oriented toward students. It provides good background on renewable versus non-renewable energy sources, online quizzes, and other resources. Recommended for middle school or early high school students.
Dr. E's Energy Lab: This Department of Energy Web site is targeted to kids. It presents information on solar, wind, and geothermal energy, as well as information on alternative fuels. Most of the follow-up information is through links to other sites. This is part of a general site Energy Smart Schools which contains resources, games, quizzes, and classroom activities.
Energy Street : An excellent role playing game about energy use and conservation from the Department of Energy.
Energy Quest: This California Energy Commission education site has tons of great interactive pages for kids, although it may be more appropriate for middle school students.
Oil Spill Awareness Through Geoscience Education: This Web site presents curriculum, lessons, and activities related to oil spills - and thus provide some background on petroleum. The activities are presented in the form of teacher's guides.
Science News Write-Up: Write a report on this article for your class! Here is a suggested outline to help you organize the report.
News Archive
Earth Science News Archive: We are building an archive of these news features. Feel free to browse earlier articles and resources!