Powering a Brighter Future

1. Set Focus
Pose this essential question: What does a society need to succeed?

2. Read and Discuss
Have students read the article, marking key ideas and questions. Then ask them to answer the following questions, citing text evidence:

• What are some of the ways that people who do not have access to electricity light and heat their homes and cook? What are some problems with these solutions? (To create light, some people use candles or burn grass, which can cause house fires. People also use kerosene lamps, which are expensive and inefficient. To heat their homes and cook, some people burn wood, coal, or charcoal. Burning these materials creates smoke and fumes, which can cause heart disease and lung cancer, and even death.)

• How did gaining access to light change Derrick’s life? (Before he had access to light, Derrick was unable to do his homework. He struggled in class and had difficulty reading and writing. After gaining access to light, he was able to do his homework. His grades improved, he became a strong reader, and he now dreams of becoming a teacher.)

• Based on the article and your own experiences, how might your life be different if you did not have access to electricity? (Responses will vary, but students may note that they would struggle with their schoolwork and have a more difficult time getting into college. They may also say that the current types of after-school jobs would not be available, making it more difficult to earn money.)

3. Core Skill Practice
Assign, print, or project the activity Gaining Access to Electricity. Have students use the organizer to sequence events described in the article.

4. Writing Prompt
In what ways is improving access to electricity around the world beneficial to the global economy and private businesses?

5. Classroom Debate
Do wealthier nations have an ethical obligation to financially support efforts to increase access to electricity in developing nations?

6. Quiz & Skills
Assess comprehension with the quiz. Use Organizing Ideas to review outlining skills.