Last updated: July 23, 2020

Math Skill: Addition & Subtraction (4-digit numbers)

Science Subject: Our Energy Resources

Grade level: 4th – 5th grades

Area level: National-scale

Environmental Area: Energy

Purpose: Understand the history of energy in our country and develop awareness of our energy use

 

BACKGROUND FOR THE TEACHER

Energy sources used in this country have changed over time.  Up to the mid 1800s, people mainly used wood for their energy sources. In 2019, 81% of our energy sources come from fossil fuels, including petroleum (37%), natural gas (32%), and coal (11%) (EIA, 2020). Those changes have been driven by the discovery of energy sources, advancement of technology,  changes in energy prices, and pressures to improve energy security in the country.

 

 

1) Energy in Indiana 2) Our energy sources 3) Who supplies energy to Evansville?

 

TEACHER GUIDE

The purpose of this activity is to enhance students’ skills in subtraction of 4-digit numbers. Using a timetable about the history of energy sources in the United States, students subtract numbers to find the difference between two numbers. The timetable was created based on data obtained from the “energy KIDS” prepared by the U.S.Energy Information Administration.

worksheet & answer key

Math Skill: Addition & Subtraction (4-digit numbers)

Using a timetable about the history of energy sources in this country, students are asked to subtract 4-digit numbers to find the difference between two years. Questions include “How many years did it take to use coal for generating electricity after coal was first discovered in this country?”