AP Environmental Science · Buffalo Energy Simulation

Power the
City

Can you build a sustainable energy future for Buffalo?

👤 Your Name
✏️ Do Now — Quick Write (5 min)

"If Buffalo had to run on ONLY ONE energy source, which would you choose and why?"

Reading your response…
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✋ Stop — Wait for Your Teacher

Your teacher will tell you when to continue.

While you wait, read through what's coming. You'll be ready to hit the ground running.

Today's Assignment
Power the City — Buffalo Energy Planning Simulation
1
Energy Briefings
You'll read through 6 energy sources — Solar, Wind, Hydro, Biomass, Geothermal, and Green Hydrogen. Each one includes how it works, Buffalo-specific context, and key APES vocabulary. You'll answer a comprehension question before moving on.
2
Build Buffalo's Energy Plan
Choose exactly 3 energy sources for the city. You must stay within a 20-credit budget and generate at least 15 MW of power. Every choice involves tradeoffs — cost, reliability, and environmental impact all matter.
3
Group Discussion
Before you write anything, you'll have a structured 2-minute discussion with your group. Talk through your choices, defend your reasoning, and push back on each other. Everyone should speak at least once.
4
Write Your Argument
You'll write three justifications: an environmental justification, an economic justification, and a key limitation. Use evidence from the briefings. A writing coach is available if you get stuck — but it won't just give you the answers.
✓
Exit Ticket + Submission
At the end you'll get a report card on your plan, personalized AI coaching, and one final reflection question. Your responses are submitted to your teacher when you're done.
While you wait

Think back to your Do Now. Based on what you just read, does your original answer still hold up? What tradeoff hadn't you considered? Be ready to share.

⚠️ Wait for your teacher’s signal before pressing the button below.

Energy Briefings
1 of 6
🏙️ Buffalo Energy Planning Board
Budget
0/20 cr.
Power
0/15 MW
Env. Score
—

Build Buffalo's Energy Plan

Choose 3 sources for the city. Stay within budget. Your role's priority stat is highlighted on each card.

Select exactly 3
Budget: 20 cr. max
Need: 15 MW min
Before You Write

Group Discussion

Talk through these with your group. 2 minutes. Each person speaks at least once.

2:00
Step 2 — Justify Your Plan

Write Your Argument

Answer each prompt from an environmental science perspective.

📋 Your Plan — Reference ▲ Hide
Why is this plan acceptable for the environment?
0/500
Getting feedback…
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Why does this plan make financial sense for Buffalo?
0/500
Getting feedback…
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What tradeoff did your group have to accept?
0/500
Getting feedback…
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Buffalo Energy Plan — Report Card

Your Results

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🤖
AP Coach Feedback
Personalized to your plan and written justifications
Analyzing your plan…

🎟️ Exit Ticket

"Which energy source is MOST important for Buffalo's future and why?"

🌱
Writing Coach
Ask me anything — I'll help you think it through