This Inquiry Brief challenges students to analyze Texas’ energy landscape, from its dominant natural gas infrastructure to its booming wind and solar potential. Using real-world data, students evaluate economic and environmental trade-offs, calculate energy transitions, and propose solutions for a cleaner energy future. Perfect for AP-style FRQ practice, this case study connects policy, science, and sustainability in a high-stakes energy debate.
What is an Inquiry Brief?
Inquiry Briefs are compact, targeted case studies designed for assessment purposes, closely aligning with the AP Environmental Science (APES) curriculum. Unlike traditional case studies, which provide background information to teach students before asking questions, Inquiry Briefs present a limited amount of information and require students to apply their prior knowledge - similar to the format of the AP exam. Each of the nine Inquiry Briefs corresponds to a specific APES unit and includes AP-style free-response questions (FRQs), making them effective tools for end-of-unit assessments or end-of-year review. Each brief includes both a student edition and a teacher edition with complete answer keys.
Transitioning to Green Energy - APES Unit 6 (Teacher & Student Edition)
ZIP file containing 3 PDF files
(1 Teacher Edition, 1 Student Edition, 1 Science Outside Terms and Conditions)
AP® Environmental Science Learning Objectives
6.1 Identify the differences between nonrenewable and renewable energy sources
6.5 Describe the use and methods of fossil fuels in power generation. Describe the effects of fossil fuels on the environment
6.8 Describe the use of solar energy in power generation. Describe the effects of the use of solar energy in power generation on the environment.
6.10 Describe the use of geothermal energy in power generation; Describe the effects of the use of geothermal energy in power generation on the environment.
6.12 Describe the use of wind energy in power generation; Describe the effects of the use of wind energy in power generation on the environment.
6.13 Describe methods for conserving energy
AP® Environmental Science Practices
Practice 2.A Describe characteristics of an environmental concept, process, or model represented visually.
Practice 2.B Explain relationships between different characteristics of environmental concepts, processes, or models represented visually: In theoretical contexts and in applied contexts
Practice 2.C Explain how environmental concepts and processes represented visually relate to broader environmental issues.
Practice 5.A Describe patterns or trends in data.
Practice 5.B Describe relationships among variables in data represented.
Practice 5.C Explain patterns and trends in data to draw conclusions.
Practice 6.A Determine an approach or method aligned with the problem to be solved.
Practice 6.B Apply appropriate mathematical relationships to solve a problem, with work shown (e.g., dimensional analysis).
Practice 6.C Calculate an accurate numeric answer with appropriate units.
Practice 7.A Describe environmental problems.
Practice 7.B Describe potential responses or approaches to environmental problems.
Practice 7.C Describe disadvantages, advantages, or unintended consequences for potential solutions.
Practice 7.D Use data and evidence to support a potential solution.
Practice 7.E Make a claim that proposes a solution to an environmental problem in an applied context.
Practice 7.F Justify a proposed solution, by explaining potential advantages.