This paper examines the impending crisis of depletion of natural resources and explores the development of alternative resources for use. The topic of energy education needs to be included in the social studies curriculum. The program must focus around the following three principles: (1) the coming transition from fossil fuels to some other energy source is not the first we have faced, and it will not be the last; (2) shifting to new energy sources will take time, involve key policy decisions, and will require massive capital reallocations; and (3) beware of the one, simple solution. By building on these three guiding principles, energy education will increase the awareness of students on this vital topic. (Contains 23 references.) (EH)