Overview
What happens when teachers from multiple disciplines collaborate to develop a unit plan on a relevant global concern? You have this inquiry-based, multi-genre unit plan created by teachers Colleen and Justine from Kennebecassis Valley High School! Their quest was to bring energy-related content into the ELA classroom. Through speeches, podcasts, infographics, articles and art, this intriguing collection of texts will easily facilitate curiosity and discussion about the importance of renewable energy.
Collaborative planning time allows teachers to work smarter, not harder. It values the knowledge, resources, and innovation that so many teachers in this province share daily with their students; however, our co-workers often miss out on joining in these incredible learning experiences. Professional learning is the most authentic when we have the opportunity to learn from one another in a safe, cooperative environment – it brings intention to quality planning to ensure curricular goals can be met, and students are engaged in meaningful work. We are proud to share and celebrate Colleen and Justine’s hard work with all teachers visiting this website!
NB Curricular Connections
English Language Arts 9
- Strand: Interactions – Big Ideas: Expression, Exchanges, Reception
- Strand: Reading – Big Ideas: Reading Comprehension, Text Analysis
- Strand: Representations – Big Ideas: Process, Composition
Science 10
- Strand: Learning and Living Sustainably – Big Idea: Relationships Between Science and Technology – Skill Descriptor: Apply scientific and technological knowledge and understanding of sustainable practices, Skill Descriptor: Apply an iterative process to challenges related to sustainable development goals.
What you’ll need
- A copy of the “Why is Renewable Energy Important” Multi-Genre Unit Plan
- Links to texts are accessible through this document
- Note-taking templates are available through links in this document or accessible as additional resources on the COE Energy page for this learning activity
Instructions
Each genre of texts (speeches, podcasts, infographics) provides a unique way for students to explore perspectives on the guiding question: Why is renewable energy important? Each group of texts is accompanied by various writing/representing activities for students to reflect on their understanding of the topic, extend their knowledge through discussion with classmates, etc.
In terms of assessment, students could select certain process pieces completed during this unit for an evidence of learning portfolio, especially those meeting speaking/listening outcomes. A Writing & Representing Choice Board has been provided for potential summative assessments for students to demonstrate their creativity and comprehension of the topic through Informational or Literary/Lyrical Texts.
Extension Ideas
- This lesson could be used and adapted at several grade levels in English Language Arts. Moreover, there are many activities in this unit and teachers may choose to only select the ones they need to meet their curricular goals.
- Consider pairing this activity with the speaker series video, The Future of Clean Energy in New Brunswick or The Change Electricity Industry, for a New Brunswick context.
NB Global Competencies
Acknowledgments
Thank you to Colleen Flower and Justine Jones from KVHS for creating this resource.
