In this unit we study the historical development and use of nonrenewable resources for energy including oil, coal, gas.  Students will learn the pros and cons of these resources.  Emphasis is placed on studying current events, modern technologies, and the role of fossil fuels- past, present, and future- in our lives.  Students will form and express their positions on important social, economic, environmental and legal issues surrounding coal mining, oil drilling, and hydrofracking, etc.  Students will compare the costs of heating a home with heating oil vs. natural gas vs. liquid propane and calculate their personal carbon footprint.