Lesson Plan
Course Title: Concepts of Engineering and Technology
Session Title: Green Energy Careers
Performance Objective:
After completing this lesson, students will be able to compare renewable and non-renewable
energy sources. They will also demonstrate they know how to research information and create
a presentation about a green energy career they are interested in pursuing by completing the
Assignment: What is in a Career?, and rubric.
Specific Objectives:
The student will be able to:
 Describe opportunities and careers they have studied in fields related to physical and
mechanical systems; and relate them to green energy careers.
 Compare renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
 Research and create a presentation about a green energy career that they are
interested in pursuing.
 Identify a snapshot of jobs that are a fit for them by completing the career planning quiz.
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the
activities may result in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed.
Concepts of Engineering and Technology:

130.362 (c)(9)(B) The student understands the opportunities and careers in fields
related to physical and mechanical systems.
...describe career opportunities in physical and mechanical systems
Interdisciplinary Correlations:
English:

110.31(b)(1)(E)
…use a dictionary, a glossary, or a thesaurus (printed or electronic) to determine or
confirm the meanings of words and phrases, including their connotations and
denotations, and their etymology.

110.31(b)(15)(B)
…write procedural or work-related documents (e.g., instructions, e-mails,
correspondence, memos, project plans) that include:
(i) organized and accurately conveyed information; and
(ii) reader-friendly formatting techniques.
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
110.31(b)(18)(A)(B)
…use conventions of capitalization; and
…use correct punctuation marks including:
(i) quotation marks to indicate sarcasm or irony;
(ii) comma placement in nonrestrictive phrases, clauses, and contrasting expressions;
and
(iii) dashes to emphasize parenthetical information.

110.31(b)(19)
…Oral and Written Conventions/Spelling. Students spell correctly. Students are
expected to spell correctly, including using various resources to determine and check
correct spellings.
Computer Science I:

126.22. (3)(c)(A)(B)
...discuss copyright laws/issues and model ethical acquisition and use of digital
information, citing sources using established methods;
...demonstrate proper etiquette and knowledge of acceptable use policies when using
networks, especially resources on the Internet and intranet;

126.22. (4)(c)(A)
...use local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), including the Internet
and intranet, in research and resource sharing;

126.22. (6)(c)(B)
...implement methods for the evaluation of the information using defined rubrics.

126.22. (8)(c)(B)(C)
...demonstrate proficiency in, appropriate use of, and navigation of LANs and WANs for
research and for sharing of resources;
...extend the learning environment beyond the school walls with digital products created
to increase teaching and learning in the foundation and enrichment curricula;
Teacher Preparation:
 Introduce the students to opportunities and careers in fields related to physical and
mechanical systems.
 Allow students to select a green energy career in the fields related to physical and
mechanical systems.
 Present the Green Energy Careers Microsoft PowerPoint.
 Make copies of the Assignment: What is in a Career? Microsoft Word document for each
student.
 Allow the students to complete the Quiz: Career Planner online exercise.
References:
 dictionary.com
Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.
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






Bioenergy Center
Green Energy Jobs
greenmap.org
Solar Cooler Planet
Energy4Me.org
Khake.com
US Department of Energy
Instructional Aids:
1. Computer with Microsoft PowerPoint installed.
2. Computer with Microsoft Word installed.
3. Internet
Materials Needed:
1. Pen/Pencil
2. Technical Terms and Definitions handout for each student
3. Finding the Right Career for You handout for each student
4. What is in a Career? handout for each student
5. What is in a Career? rubric for each student
Equipment Needed:
1. Computers with Internet access
2. Video screen projector
Learner Preparation:
Students must understand the opportunities and careers in fields related to physical and
mechanical systems. Students must select a green energy career in the fields related to
physical and mechanical systems.
Introduction
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
SAY: A career is an occupation or profession, especially one requiring special training, followed
as one's lifework: She sought a career as an engineer.
ASK: What is your career interest/occupation or profession?
SHOW: Microsoft PowerPoint slide 9.
SAY: In this lesson you will explore career opportunities in the Green Energy careers.
ASK: Can anyone name a renewable or non-renewable energy source.
SHOW: The Green Energy Careers PowerPoint.
Outline
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
Instructors can use the PowerPoint presentation, slides, handouts, and note pages in
conjunction with the following outline.
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MI
Outline
Notes to Instructor
I. Technical Communication
A. Technical Terms & Definition
See Microsoft
PowerPoint
Slides 2-8
II. What is a Career?
See Microsoft
PowerPoint
Slide 9
III. What are Green Energy Careers?
See Microsoft
PowerPoint
Slides 10-11
IV. Green Energy Careers in the areas of:
A. Biomass Energy
B. Geothermal Energy
C. Hydropower Energy
D. Petroleum Energy
E. Solar Energy
F. Wind Energy
See Microsoft
PowerPoint
VI. What is Inside a Career? Exercise
A. Create a Career Presentation
B. Complete Online Career Quiz
See Microsoft
PowerPoint
Slides 12-66
Slide 67
Verbal
Linguistic
Logical
Mathematical
Visual
Spatial
Musical
Rhythmic
Bodily
Kinesthetic
Intrapersonal
Interpersonal
Naturalist
Existentialist
Application
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Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Open Microsoft Word on your computer. Open What Is In A Career? exercise document.
Review the assignment with your students.
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Students can complete the Finding the Right Career for You! Handout; and will create a career
presentation using Microsoft Word.
Summary
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
Question: What are the available careers in the Solar Energy industry?
Answer: The available careers in Solar Energy are: Urban Planner, Solar Operations Engineer,
Environmental Engineer, Solar Lab Technician, Solar Power Installer, Wind Turbine Fabricator,
Energy Efficiency Builder, Sustainability Systems Developer, and Solar Hot Water Installer.
Question: What are the available careers in the Wind Energy industry?
Answer: The available careers in Wind Energy are Wind Turbine Technician, Design Engineer,
Proposal Writer, Construction Manager, Large Load Transportation Specialist, and Utility
Program Manager.
Evaluation
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
Students are using Microsoft PowerPoint to create their career presentation.
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
Students will complete the Career Presentation using Microsoft Word document and answer the
reflection questions, “How important do you think it is to research career choices? What are
some of the benefits that you can obtain from this research?” and will be evaluated through the
rubric.
Extension
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):
1. Students will present/discuss their Career Presentation in class.
2. Students may complete Assignment 2: What do you Like? Exercise – Slide 68 of the Green
Energy Careers PowerPoint presentation.
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Technical Terms and Definitions
Instructions: The terms and definitions listed below are discussed in this lesson.
Please review before proceeding with this lesson.
Career – An occupation or profession, especially one requiring special training, followed
as one's lifework: He sought a career as an engineer.
Energy - Is the capability of a physical system to perform work. It exists in several forms
such as heat, kinetic or mechanical energy, light, potential energy, electrical or other
forms.
Biomass Energy - Is a renewable energy source. It is organic material made from
plants and animals; contains stored energy from the sun.
Geothermal Energy - Is a renewable energy source. Is heat from within the Earth. The
word geothermal comes from the Greek words geo (earth) and therme (heat).
HydroPower Energy - Is a renewable energy source that produces the most electricity
in the United States and accounts for 6% of total U.S. electricity generation and 67% of
generation from renewables in 2008.
Petroleum Energy - Is a non-renewable energy source. It is gasoline, diesel fuel, and
propane. Most gasoline is made from crude oil, formed from remains of plants and
animals (diatoms) that lived hundreds of millions of years ago. Diesel fuel is used in
diesel engines found in most freight trucks, trains, buses, boats, and farm and
construction vehicles. Propane is an energy-rich gas that is found mixed with natural
gas and oil.
Solar Energy - Is a renewable energy source. It is the sun’s rays (solar radiation) that
reach the Earth. It may be converted into other forms of energy, such as heat and
electricity.
Wind Energy - Is renewable energy from the wind caused by moving air masses. The
movement is caused by temperature and pressure differences in the atmosphere, which
are tied to the non uniform distribution of solar heat.
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What is in a Career?
Project:
Research and create a presentation about a career that you are interested in
pursuing.
Activity:
Create an outline for your project. First, fill out the bubble chart included.
I. What are your interests? Do you like computers, working with children,
automobiles, etc.?
II. List your skills. Are you good at working on your car, creating computer
graphics, etc.?
III. List two or three possible career choices. (Policeman, Engineer, Nurse, etc.)
IV. Research each of those careers on the internet and find the following
information:
a. Educational Requirements
b. Required Skills
c. Experience
d. Salary
e. Job Market Outlook – Is this a field with good future job prospects?
f. Upside – What are the benefits of working in this field? (Ex:
weekends free, work from home, work outside for those who live the
outdoors, etc.)
g. Downside – What are the detriments to this career? (Ex: work off
hours, on call 24/7, etc.)
h. Conclusion
When your outline is complete, prepare a presentation to share this information
with the class. Always cite the sources of your information in the footnote section.
Use graphics, animation and slide transitions to make your presentation
interesting. Include at least one website hyperlink to use during the presentation
for demonstration. (For example, you could find an ad for a position on
Monster.com that illustrates one or more of your points. Copy the hyperlink to
the presentation and as you talk about the position, you can link to the website.)
Include at least two tables and one sound file in the completed presentation. If
you need an appropriate sound bite, you may use sound recorder to record your
own voice. Be careful not to overdo sound effects as they can be distracting and
annoying.
Supplies:
Internet Access, PowerPoint or other presentation software
Deliverables: Completed career presentation, reflection
Reflection:
How important do you think it is to research career choices? What are some of
the benefits that you can obtain from this research?
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How your grade will be calculated:
Graded Elements
Complete Presentation – Required Elements
Quality of Research
Presentation Skills
Reflection
Total
Total Points
40
30
20
10
100
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What is in a Career? Rubric
Task Statement: Research and create a presentation using Windows Microsoft Word about a career you are interested in pursuing; and answer
two reflection questions.
Task Assignment: The Career Presentation will include 6 required elements from the “What is in a Career?” handout; research of 2-3 careers
in 8 areas; a class presentation; and two reflection statements.
Criteria Concepts/Skills to be Assessed
Complete Presentation 6 required elements from “What is
in a Career?” handout (outline,
interests, skills, 2-3 careers)
Novice
1
Up to 2 elements
are completed for 1
career
Criteria Categories
(Novice to Exemplary)
Developing
Accomplished
2
3
3-4 elements are
5 elements are
completed for 2
completed for 3
careers
careers
Exemplary
4
6 elements are
completed for 3
careers
Points
Earned
(Possible 40 points)
Quality of Research – 8 areas
(education, skills, experience,
salary, job market, upside,
downside, conclusion)
(5-10 points)
Research
conducted in 2
areas
(10-15 points)
Research conducted
in 4 areas
(15-30 points)
Research conducted
in 6 areas
(30-40 points)
Research conducted
in 8 areas
(Possible 30 points)
Presentation Skills
(graphics, animation, slide
transitions, hyperlink, two tables,
one sound file, references cited)
(1-5 points)
Up to 2
presentation skills
used
(5-10 points)
3-4 presentation skills
used
(10-20 points)
5-7 presentation skills
used
(20-30 points)
8 presentation skills
used
(Possible 20 points)
Reflection
1. How important is it to research
career choices?
2. What are some benefits you
can obtain from this research?
(4-8 points)
1 point made about
importance of
research; and 1
benefit from
research cited
(8-12 points)
2 points made about
importance of
research; and 2
benefits from
research cited
(12-16 points)
3 points made about
importance of
research; and 3
benefits from
research cited
(16-20 points)
4 points made about
importance of
research; and 4
benefits from
research cited
(6-8 points)
(8-10 points)
Total Points:_________
(2-4 points)
(4-6 points)
(Possible 10 points)
A = 74-100 points; B = 43-74 points; C = 27-43 points; D = 12-27 points
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Finding the Right Career for You!
Make a list of long-term
goals.
Where do you want to live?
List the city or general area
where you would like to live.
List your interests.
Fill in your name.
List preferred salary.
How much money do
you realistically expect?
List preferred working
conditions. Example: Would
not like to work weekends
or evenings.
List preferred environment.
Would you like to work with
people in a medical industry or
education?
Finally, list these items in order of importance. Is salary more important than the working
environment? Now that you have thought about career choices, list possible careers and rank
them in importance.
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