GCSE Physics Energy Resources Challenge

GCSE Physics Island Energy Challenge
This lesson is most suitable for students studying AQA GCSE Physics or Combined Science. It is best used at the end of P1- Energy, or before exams as a revision exercise.

Description of task
Students work as individuals or small groups to design a new energy infrastructure for a small island with a growing population. They are given a budget and a target for energy production, as well as information on the price, energy production and pros and cons of using each energy resource on the island. They will be expected to weigh up the the costs, benefits and negative environmental/ socioeconomic impacts and come up with a plan.
They need to justify their plan and be ready to present it to the class at the end of the lesson or during the next lesson.

Duration: 1-2 hour long lessons
The first lesson can be used for planning and designing the energy infrastructure, and a second lesson could be added for presenting to the class and feedback.

Resources included
PowerPoint with starter exercise, lesson objectives, main task briefing, example of work to be produced.
PDF with the briefing and resources info/ pictures for students.
Hand drawn map of the island to print on A3 paper.

Materials needed
Pens, scissors, glue, calculators, printed A3 map and briefing for each group.