Search for Resources

Moja Island

Elementary, Middle

Description

Moja Island is a small island off the East African Coast which like many remote regions does not have electricity.  Access to power provides more opportunities for work and school which helps alleviate poverty.  This lesson has students consider various types of affordable energy sources that could benefit the residents of four communities on Moja Island.  Students will evaluate the features of the villages and recommend a project for each location.  This problem based learning activity integrates science and technology skills as learners:

  • Review a map of the island to determine landscape qualities for each community.
  • Explore geothermal, solar, wind and hydroelectric options.
  • Identify and describe the most appropriate renewable energy option for each community.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This learning experience involves students in using scientific and technological knowledge to provide solutions to a social problem that impacts many remote communities in economically challenged countries.  The activity supports skill development in the areas of problem solving, research, inquiry and proposing solutions.

To extend the learning a class could build and test items such as a solar oven, solar light or small wind turbine.  These products could then be used to promote alternative energy solutions at a student led community event that also involves local businesses that provide options like solar energy to homeowners. 

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

  • Step 1Select a province
  • Alberta
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Investigating matter and energy facilitates understandings of natural phenomena and can inspire discovery and innovation.
        • Matter and Energy Understandings of the physical world are deepened through investigating matter and energy.
    • Grade 5
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Matter and Energy: Understandings of the physical world are deepened through investigating matter and energy.
  • British Columbia
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 3
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 3: Thermal energy can be produced and transferred.
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4:Energy can be transformed
    • Grade 5
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 5: Machines are devices that transfer force and energy
  • Manitoba
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Electricity
  • New Brunswick
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 3
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Our Local Environment : Learning and Living Sustainably
  • Newfoundland & Labrador
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Electricity
  • Northwest Territories
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Energy and Control: Electricity
  • Nova Scotia
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 6: Electricity
  • Nunavut
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 5
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Energy and Control: Conservation of Energy
    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Energy and Control: Electricity
  • Ontario
  • Prince Edward Island
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Electricity
  • Quebec
  • Saskatchewan
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 6
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 6: Physical Science: Understanding Electricity
  • Yukon Territory
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 3
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 3: Thermal energy can be produced and transferred.
    • Grade 4
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 4:Energy can be transformed

Themes Addressed

Citizenship (1)

  • Community-Building and Participation

Economics (1)

  • Poverty Reduction

Energy (1)

  • Alternative Energy