SCIENCE AND
ENGINEERING PRACTICES
SAMPLE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT, GRADES 9–12
Analyzing and
Using a spreadsheet program or other tool, graph data showing
energy production and energy consumption in the United States
by source, as well as energy imports and exports. For example,
see “Annual Energy Review” data from the U.S. Energy Information
Administration, www.eia.gov/totalenergy/data/annual/. What
conclusions can you draw from the graphs?
Interpreting Data
CROSSCUTTING CONCEPTS
SAMPLE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT, GRADES 9–12
Scale, Proportion,
Examine graphics of the San Francisco Public Utilities
Commission’s water, power, and sewer systems, and research
how many miles of pipes convey water from Hetch Hetchy
reservoir to users around the Bay Area, including within San
Francisco. Charts of the water and power systems are available
at www.sfwater.org/systemmap and www.sfwater.org/HHPsystem.
Using these and additional resources, compare the volume of
water and quantity of power produced by each source, and the
approximate distance from each source to the final destination.
and Quantity
Energy and Matter
76
Research the California Independent Service Operator (ISO), which
manages the state’s electric power grid. Find out why electricity supply
and demand must be continually balanced, and what challenges that
creates for the ISO as well as for energy providers and consumers.
BIG IDEAS
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Grades 9–12
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SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION