This short course on Alternative Energy is intended to give students hands-on, authentic research experience into a current Northern issue around replacing the diesel fuel used for electricity generation in northern communities.

As an extension and enrichment activity for Experiential Science Grades 10-12 in the Northwest Territories, students have acquired basic scientific concepts and methodology, research skills and team work skills, and are usually well-informed regarding community issues. Most students will possess the technology skills to create a good presentation, those that don’t will be supported in the growth of their skills through the collaborative learning process. The rationale for this project-based activity is that an issue of immediate, emotional consequence and relevance to students is not only more engaging, but also provides meaningful learning and supports the application of learning and skills to the ‘real’ world.

There are two short videos that introduce the two short activities in this course on alternative energy. Students will work in groups to produce a final multi-media project that will be presented to their local community.

Assessment rubrics for  Participation and for the group Multimedia Presentation are provided on a linked page, and students should be encouraged to examine these before they begin their work, as it will provide context and clarify expectations. Students are asked to reflect on their learning experiences after they complete their presentation in Activity 2 by filling in the Group Process & Participation Rubric.

The teacher is expected to facilitate students in these two activities, and provide any additional guidance on resources, critical analysis and technology issues. The Discussion Forum provides a collaborative workspace for groups to interact, and a space where the instructor may check in and guide critical thinking and answer any class questions.

It is expected that both Activities will take about 4 hours altogether of online collaboration, in addition to individual off-line work towards the tasks.