WebQuest for Science lesson on the Energy Resources.

Introduction

Mauri everyone,

Have you ever wondered how things around you work, how the lights turn on, how radios play music, or how boats move across the lagoon? All these things need energy to work. Energy is what makes things move, light up, and produce sound.

Every country in the world, including Kiribati, needs energy to power homes, schools, hospitals, and transportation. Without energy, many of the things we use every day would not function.

  • Kiribati depends on different types of energy for daily life, from the sun that gives us light to the batteries that power our radios.
  • In this WebQuest, you will explore how energy is produced and used in Kiribati, focusing on solar, wind, and chemical energy, and work together to understand which energy sources are renewable (can be replaced naturally) and which are non-renewable (can run out).
  • Through group work and discussion, you will learn how these energy resources are important for Kiribati today and how they can help us build a cleaner and more suitable future.
Task

By the end of this WebQuest, you will:

  • Identify three types of energy resources in Kiribati (solar, wind, and chemical)
  • Describe their properties and give examples of how they are used.
  • Discuss their importance and how they help people in real-life situations.

You will create:

  • A group presentation (poster) showing your findings.
  • A personal reflection activity at the end of the lesson.
Process

Follow the steps below carefully.

Step 1: recall and connect (engage)

  • Think back to what you learned about energy in the last lesson.
  • Discuss: What types of energy do we use in Kiribati?
  • Your teacher will write your ideas on the board.

Step 2: Group exploration (Explore)

You will work in three groups

Group 1

  • Question 1: List three examples of renewable energy sources in Kiribati.
  • Question 2: Provide two functions or uses of solar energy and chemical energy.

Group 2

  • Task: draw or create a diagram showing how solar energy produces electricity, starting with the sun shining on a solar panel that powers a home.

Group 3

  • List two examples of non-renewable energy sources and explain their disadvantages compared to renewable ones.

Use the websites below to find information.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPXoZclyFrw.

Prepare your poster for presentation.

 

Step 3. Explain and Share

  • Each group presents their work to the class.
  • Listen carefully to other groups and take short notes about what you learn.
  • The teacher will explain and clarify key ideas about it.
  • Solar, wind, and chemical energy
  • renewable and non-renewable sources.
  • How these resources are used in Kiribati

Step 4: Apply and Reflect (Elaborate)

  • Discuss in class:
  • How do these energy sources help your community?
  • Which energy resource is most useful for Kiribati and why?

Think about how energy helps you and your family every day.

Step 5: Evaluate your learning

  • Complete the individual activity your teacher gives
  • Answer a few exit ticket questions orally:
  • Name one renewable energy resource in Kiribati.
  • What is the function of chemical energy?
  • Why is solar energy useful?
Evaluation

Your work will be assessed based on:

Criteria

Excellent (3)

Good (2)

Needs improvement (1)

Content accuracy

Information is correct and complete

Mostly correct with minor errors

Several inaccuracies

Group collaboration

Worked well and shared ideas equally

Some teamwork shown

Minimal cooperation

Presentation/poster quality

Clear, creative and well-organized

Understandable but basic

Hard to follow or incomplete

Individual reflection

Thoughtful and detailed

Basic but relevant

Very short or incomplete
Conclusion
  • Energy keeps our world moving, from lighting homes to powering boats and schools through this WebQuest, you’ve learned that renewable energy source like solar and wind are not only useful but also sustainable for Kiribati’s future.
  • Keep observing around your community, where do you use energy being used, and how can you help save it?
Credits

This WebQuest was developed using ideas and materials from:

  • Kiribati Ministry of Education, Science Curriculum for Junior Secondary Schools (2025)
  • YouTube: Renewable Energy for Kids - Solar, Wind, and Waterpower https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPXoZclyFrw.
  • Adapted educational resources from Energy kids - U.S Energy Information Administration (EIA)
  • Photos, diagrams, and information adapted under Creative Commons for classroom use only.

Created by: Teueetaake & Rangaeka

School: BTC JSS (Betio Town Council Junior Secondary School)

Teacher Page

Target Learners

  • Year 7 students (ages 12-13) studying Science (Physics)
  • lesson duration: 1hour
  • suitable for group-based, inquiry learning and collaborative activities.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

  1. Identify different types of energy resources in Kiribati.
  2. Explain the properties and uses of solar, wind, and chemical energy.
  3. Distinguish between renewable and non-renewable resources.
  4. Work cooperatively in groups to present findings visually.

Teacher Notes:

  • Prepare charts paper, markers, and sample solar or battery materials if available.
  • Set up access to the internet or play the YouTube videos for the class.
  • Encourage teamwork and guide each group as they research and create their posters.
  • During presentation, facilitate discussion and clarify misconceptions.
  • For reflection, have students write a short paragraph on "Which energy source do you think Kiribati should use more, and why?"

Assessment Tools

Use the provided rubric in section 4. you may also use quick oral checks or a short quiz for formative assessment.