📖

The Energy Crisis of the 1970s

The 1970s: Crisis and Change

Day 142of 180
Week 29of 36
30Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand the economic challenges of the 1970s energy crisis

2

Analyze how resource scarcity impacts national economies

3

Recognize God's provision during challenging times

📖 Scripture Connection

Philippians 4:19

“My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

— Philippians 4:19 (WEB)

God provides for His people even during economic challenges

📦 Materials Needed

  • Printed worksheets
  • Colored pencils
  • Large world map
  • Chart paper
  • Oil price data from 1970s
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Begin with a brief discussion about what students know about energy and oil. Show a large world map and point out major oil-producing regions.

💭 Review Question: What do you know about where oil comes from?
2Teaching (10 min)

Explain the 1970s energy crisis, focusing on how oil shortages created economic challenges for the United States.

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • OPEC oil embargo of 1973
  • Dramatic increase in oil prices
  • Long lines at gas stations
  • Impact on American families and economy
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • How might sudden changes in resources affect people's lives?
  • What can we learn about being prepared for unexpected challenges?
3Activity: Energy Crisis Investigation (10 min)
worksheet

Students complete a worksheet mapping oil production, calculating gas prices, and understanding economic impacts.

📝 Instructions:
  1. Color-code map showing oil-producing countries
  2. Calculate how much gas cost in 1973 vs 1979
  3. Draw pictures showing how families were impacted
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Use pre-filled worksheet with fewer calculations

Challenge: Research additional economic data from the period

4Closing (5 min)

Reflect on how communities can support each other during economic challenges

📝 Review Questions:
  • What was the main problem during the energy crisis?
  • How might faith help people during difficult times?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for always providing for us, even when times are difficult. Help us trust in Your care and support one another.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll learn about the end of the Vietnam War

💎 Memory Verse

Philippians 4:19

“My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

— Philippians 4:19 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Create a hand motion for each key word while reciting

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

The 1970s energy crisis was a significant economic challenge that changed how Americans viewed energy consumption

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Discuss the importance of resourcefulness
  • Help children understand complex economic concepts simply
  • Emphasize God's provision during challenging times
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might find economic concepts challenging to understand

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Ability to connect historical events to broader economic principles

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Create a family discussion about energy conservation
  • Research current global oil production
  • Draw a comic strip about the energy crisis

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

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