Texas: Wind and Efficiency - Earth: The Operators' Manual
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xar9zR6e634
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xar9zR6e634
Geoff Haines-Stiles Productions, Earth: Operators' Manual
This engaging video focuses on national and global wind energy potential by specifically highlighting Texas' role as wind energy leader and energy efficiency efforts in Houston, Texas.
Video length: 8:20 min.
Learn more about Teaching Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness»Grade Level
Regional Focus
Topics
Energy Literacy
This Video builds on the following concepts of Energy Literacy.
Click a topic below for supporting information, teaching ideas, and sample activities.
Notes From Our Reviewers
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Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy |
Technical Details
Teaching Tips
- This engaging video could be used to kick off a module about wind energy.
- This video segment that follows this one (segment 10) is also relevant to facilitate a discussion on renewable energy.
- See: http://earththeoperatorsmanual.com/for_educators for the full program.
About the Content
- The statement that,"energy efficiency worldwide could reduce demand by fully one third by 2030" is debatable. Some experts say that long-term energy demand actually increases with increased energy efficiency because energy efficient devices have more applications. This is a debated topic, and this New Yorker essay gives a helpful summary.
- Numbers given are not cited, but scientist Richard Alley is a reputable and well-known leader in climate science.
- Discusses pros and cons of wind energy (emphasizing pros) and the need for continued research into renewables and energy efficient technology.
- The 2030 energy portfolio proposed is overly ambitious and would require an unlikely build-out of renewable energy infrastructure and technological development.
- 2016 update: renewable energy is scaling up rapidly. Educators are advised to seek up-to-date information and present current statistics and projections along with this video.
- Comments from expert scientist: Good overview and outlook. No major problems.
About the Pedagogy
- The host, Richard Alley, is a well-known climate scientist and models exemplary skills in communicating complex information to a wide audience.
- Shows how wind is a potential energy resource in West Texas, which sits at the southern end of the US wind corridor.
- Talks about how "green energy" translates to economic gains for some stakeholders in communities.
- An annotated script, learning objectives, vocabulary, and teaching tips are provided.
- Learning activities are suggested, including one that is in the CLEAN collection.