This Guide for Educators was developed by the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative as an extension of our TILclimate (Today I Learned: Climate) podcast, to make it easier for you to teach climate change, earth science, and energy topics in the classroom. It is an extension of the TILclimate episode "TIL about electric cars."
Browse all TILclimate guides for educators.
Description
Electric vehicles (EVs) hold great promise for a lower-emissions future – but just how much promise? Students investigate the emissions associated with EV use in different parts of the US. Then, they learn about the air pollution impacts of gas and diesel vehicles and design a communication project to reduce exposure at school.
SWBAT:
- Connect the way that electricity is produced with the carbon dioxide impact of an electric vehicle.
- Explain the connection between gas and diesel vehicles and air pollution and describe some solutions.
- Design a communication project to effect change in their school.
Skills:
- Map reading
- Data analysis
- Communication
Standards:
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HS-ESS3-4 Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems.
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HS-ETS1-3 Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs.
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RST.11-12.7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media in order to address a question or solve a problem.
Disciplinary core ideas:
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ESS2.D Weather and Climate
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ESS3.D Global Climate Change
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ETS1.B Developing Possible Solutions
What is included in this Educator Guide
- How to use TILclimate Educator Guides (Download)
- Full Educator Guide (Download)
- Includes both Teacher and Student pages
- Includes both Teacher and Student pages
- Teacher pages (Download)
- Includes materials, discussion questions, background resources, and adaptation suggestions for science, social science, and ELA teachers
- Includes materials, discussion questions, background resources, and adaptation suggestions for science, social science, and ELA teachers
- Student pages (Download)
- Data Investigation: Where Does Your Electricity Come From?
- Data Investigation: Fuel Efficiency
- Communication Challenge: Air Pollutants
- Interviews: 99th Percentile Vehicle Use
- Tool: How Much Does an EV Cost?
Listen to the episode
Browse all TILclimate guides for educators
