Curriculum

PEI
Science -- SCI1421A and SCI1421B
Geography of Canada – Geo421A
World Geography – GEO531A

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

- define the terms kilowatt, megawatt, turbine and wind farm

- locate three wind farms in Canada with the aid of a map

- describe the production output, size and number of turbines located at each farm

- Properly identify the parts of a modern day wind turbine using the diagram provided.

- Discuss the benefits of using this renewable resource.

- Identify problems associated with wind farming in Canada.

Teaching Process

1. Provide basic definitions of the subject, including the terms: kilowatt, megawatt, turbine and wind farm.

2. Inquire:

“Where in Canada do you think we will find wind farms?”

3. Instruct students that they will be using computers to find at least 3 wind farms in Canada and answer the questions on worksheet (master 1) provided.

4. Instruct the students of the associated websites found on their activity sheet:

www.canadiangeographic.ca
www.canwea.ca
www.google.ca

and to research wind farm sites in Canada.

5. Return to whole class and collate/discuss what each group found.

6.Ask if the class findings matched their initial discussion as to location.

Speculate why or why not they were correct.

Hypothesize where and why future sites might be located.

Teachers Notes

*Student organizer is located at the bottom of the attached lesson plan

Instructions for Students

1. Copy definitions on worksheet.

2. Discuss where they think wind farms might be located.

3. Listen for instructions.
Work in small groups to search out information required on the provided worksheet on wind energy in Canada.

4. Using websites provided, find 3 wind farm sites across Canada, complete the worksheet questions. After completion, identify wind farms on map of Canada.

5. Each group reports on its findings

6. Map/label each wind farm on a master map provided by the teacher.

Assessment/Evaluation

The teacher will provide a large map of Canada and the students will come up and present what they found in the activity by:

1. Identifying where in Canada their site it and mark it somehow, a sticker or map pin may work fine

2. Informing the class of the number of turbines located at that site.

3. How big the actual site is.

4. How many watts are produced there?
And any other questions the teacher may want answered.

This activity is meant to expose students to wind energy in Canada. In terms of evaluation, teachers may choose to have students self evaluate by ensuring that the outcomes were met OR the teacher could evaluate the students on whether the outcomes were met by posing questions to each group. Other forms of evaluation are whether the worksheets were completed correctly and whether students used time wisely and effectively while performing the tasks required.

Another form of assessment is an essay that students write. This would be an individual assignment that each student would be required to complete and would be graded by the teacher. Questions could include:

1. Is wind farming a ‘green’ form of alternate energy in Canada?

OR

2. Write a letter to the Minister of the Environment and explain why (or why not) we should have more wind farms in Canada.