Background information and a teaching strategy are provided to help students better understand the global energy crisis and learn to take action. An overview of the energy crisis includes a discussion of the unequal distribution of natural resources throughout the world, the finite nature of fossil fuels, and problems associated with the depletion of petroleum energy. Energy conservation, alternative resources, and renewable energy are emphasized as the best direction for present and future policies. In order to prepare students to become knowledgeable decision makers capable of dealing with the global energy issues, a proactive action model is proposed consisting of three parts: perception, thought pattern, and action. A sample unit on energy is included as an example of how the model may be used. (DC)