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.

Concepts

engineering, renewable resources, stem

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Additional Tags

alternative energy, solar power, integrated teaching and learning program and laboratory, teachengineering, energy infrastructure, off the grid, places in our local communities

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Classroom Considerations

• Knovation Readability Score: 3 (1 low difficulty, 5 high difficulty)