Off-the-grid

High school (ages 12+)
Environment & Earth

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/off-the-grid

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the core principle?Independence from public utility networks for essential services
2. What is the historical precedent?Rooted in pre-industrial self-sufficiency, modernized by technological innovation
3. What does "off-the-grid" mean?It means living without the normal electricity, water, gas, and sewage systems that most homes use. People make their own power and water and take care of waste at home.
4. Why do people choose off‑the‑grid living?They want to save money, help the planet by using clean energy, and be ready for power outages or storms.

Public utilities: Infrastructure and services (electricity, water, gas) provided by government or private companies.
Self-sufficiency: The capacity to provide for one's own needs without external reliance.
Renewable energy: Energy derived from natural processes that are replenished constantly, such as solar, wind, and hydro power.