Switch - The Documentary
Switch is an incredibly comprehensive look at energy production across the world. Every major source of energy is covered, including coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear, and renewable sources like wind, solar, and geothermal. The advantages and disadvantages of each source are discussed while working towards some combination of energy resources that will reduce our carbon dioxide and other forms of pollution.
Given the tremendous amount of information covered in this hour and a half documentary, I would suggest that you play through one or two sections at a time, pause it, and discuss the questions with your students. This will keep them from feeling overwhelmed by the material and allow them to spend more time listening to the different discussions more carefully.
Essential concepts:Fossil fuels, renewable energy, nuclear energy, coal, oil, natural gas, hydraulic fracturing, nuclear waste, photovoltaic solar power, parabolic solar heat collection, wind farms, geothermal energy.
Answer Key: Included as part of the environmental science instructor resources subscription page.
