Energy in Society Spreadsheet Game ver. 2.3 - home_energy_game_2_3.xlsx
Info:  Excel 2007 Compatible, 203kB.
Energy in Society Spreadsheet Game ver. 2.2 - home_energy_game_2_2.xls
Info:  Excel 97/2000/2003 Compatible, 330kB, works fine in 1024x768 resolution, but higher resolution is better.

Description:
Energy in Society Spreadsheet Game - An educational tool for elementary and high school students

An interactive spreadsheet "game" is presented where the students get to decide what type of energy sources society should be using.  The activity requires no knowledge of spreadsheets, and was created with Excel 97, so it does not require the latest spreadsheet version to operate.  How does it work?  Working in teams, students rate merit functions for society's energy sources (i.e. how important is it that your energy sources be clean, efficient, cheap...).  Based on their choices, the spreadsheet determines which and how much of each energy type is to be used (solar, nuclear, hydro,...).  The students then "scroll down" and get to see how three different factions (political, cost conscious, and environmental) rate their energy plan giving them remarks, a letter grade, and a suggested alternate plan.  An average grade is computed.  The students can then change their original ratings, or make several home improvements which modify their grades from the factions.  Of course, the home upgrades have a personal financial cost which is calculated for them.  Finally, the students are given some other energy concepts to think about.  The purpose of the game is to get students to learn about the different types of energy, think about how it impacts them, and understand that it is difficult to make everyone happy when it comes to energy unless you (and each household, actually) pay a nontrivial amount of money upgrading your home.

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