Energy in the Past and Present

Curriculum Area

Science – Saskatchewan Curriculum, Grade 6
Learning Outcome: Assess personal, societal, economic, and environmental impacts of energy use and technologies.

Lesson Duration

60 minutes

Learning Objectives

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

1. Identify historical energy sources used for heat and light in Saskatchewan homes.
2. Describe the impact of electricity-based technologies on daily life, work, and the environment.
3. Compare past and present energy usage in terms of efficiency, accessibility, and sustainability.

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

Discussion Starter: How do we power our homes today?

• Ask students to brainstorm ways their homes get light and heat.
• Write their answers on the board (e.g., electricity, natural gas, solar energy).

Transition to Historical Context:

• Introduce the idea that people in the past didn't have modern electricity and used different methods for heating and lighting.

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2. Energy in the Past (15 minutes)

Teacher-Led Explanation:

• Candles & Oil Lamps: Used for lighting before electricity was widely available.
• Wood Stoves & Fireplaces: Common sources for heating homes in Saskatchewan.
• Coal & Kerosene: Early energy sources before electricity infrastructure existed.

Hands-On Activity:

• Show a candle, an oil lantern (if possible), or pictures of historical Saskatchewan homes.
• Ask students to compare brightness, convenience, and safety of historical energy sources.

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3. Energy in the Present (15 minutes)

Teacher-Guided Discussion:

• Explain how electricity-based technology has changed how people live and work.
• Compare past energy sources to modern sources like hydroelectric plants, wind energy, and solar power in Saskatchewan.

Small Group Task:

• Divide students into small groups.
• Assign each group one energy source (e.g., wind, solar, hydroelectric, fossil fuels).
• Students create a quick pros & cons chart for their assigned energy source.

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4. Impact on Society & Environment (10 minutes)

Class Discussion:

• How has modern electricity made life easier? (E.g., refrigeration, lighting, communication).
• What are some negative impacts? (E.g., fossil fuel consumption, pollution).
• How can we use energy more sustainably in the future?

Quick Interactive Poll:

• Ask: Would you rather use energy from the past or today? Why?
• Tally responses and discuss key reasons.

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5. Conclusion & Reflection (10 minutes)

Exit Ticket:
Each student writes one major difference between past and present energy use and draws a small sketch or diagram explaining it.

Teacher Wrap-Up:

• Summarize key takeaways.
• Encourage students to ask their parents or grandparents about how their homes used to be powered when they were young.

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Materials Needed

• Candle or picture of a candle
• Image or small oil lamp (if available)
• Visuals of past and present energy sources
• Chart paper and markers for group work

Assessment Criteria

• Participation in Discussions (Did students engage in brainstorming?)
• Group Work Evaluation (Did students identify pros & cons of energy sources?)
• Exit Tickets (Did students understand historical vs. modern energy?)

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Differentiation & Extensions

• For advanced students: Research renewable energy projects in Saskatchewan.
• For struggling students: Pair with a peer to help explain historical energy sources.
• Extension activity: Students design an advertisement for a new sustainable energy source for Saskatchewan homes.

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This lesson blends hands-on learning with discussion and critical thinking, engaging students while meeting curriculum goals. Let’s spark curiosity about energy! 🔥⚡