Vermont produces less than 35 percent of the electricity it consumes. Young scientists research alternative energy sources to find the best options for one Vermont town. They present and critique each option before voting on the best idea.

If renewable energy sources are the best option, why aren't they used on a global scale? Junior environmentalists explore the benefits and problems associated with energy sources such as solar, wind, and biomass with a short video and...

Who knew that a possible answer to Earth's energy resource problems was lurking deep beneath the ocean's surface? Part four of a six-part series introduces Earth Science pupils to methane hydrate, a waste product of methanogens. After...

School budgets don't have a lot of extra money, so when high schoolers propose saving the district money, everyone jumps on board. The first lesson in the series of 21 introduces the concept of an energy audit. Scholars form an...

Warm up to the idea of solar energy. A lesson plan includes three activities that challenge scholars to apply knowledge in new ways. First, they learn to run an alarm clock without a battery by using solar energy. Next, they complete an...

Young engineers are instructed to design and build their own solar water heaters. Then, they calculate the efficiency and cost and compare them to commercially available models. This is a full unit for pupils to apply their knowledge.

Drive the clouds away from your day with this video. It thoroughly details how photovoltaics work and how clouds prevent us from relying solely on solar as an energy source. Unique knitted-object animation (bunnies, clouds, and all other...

Future mechanical engineers and automotive technicians read about various solutions to using gasoline in cars. Included are electric, fuel-cell-powered, and hybrid vehicles.

High school energy enthusiasts will be able to explain how thermal energy that is a byproduct of industry can be used as an alternative way to generate electricity. After some discussion, brainstorming, listening to podcasts, and...

Teams of Texas tourists gather into groups to analyze what they can do with $50 worth of an alternative fuel. They write checks, keep a balance sheet, and map out their sight-seeing route taking into consideration the location of...

Following a detailed procedure, technicians construct a fuel cell and use it to generate electricity. This terrific challenge can be administered to a physics class, a STEM class, or a group that is studying alternative fuel technology. 

Here is a fun little exploration of the potential energy potential of falling water. Learners drop water from various heights using a straw, and they analyze the diameter of the splash. Pair this with two more activities of the same...

Wow! Great video! Your class should gain some valuable new knowledge about how hydropower works, and how the many dams that are on the Columbia and Snake rivers actually produce electricity from having water pass through their turbines....

The challenge surrounding a transition to alternative fuels may fall on the next generation of scientists, innovators, and creative thinkers. Get them started on their journey with a research and discussion activity focuses on the...

Biotechnology pros produce their own biofuel using waste oil and fresh vegetable oil. They test the quality of their product using titration techniques and pH analysis. They write their observations and report their findings. Be aware...

Building a solar oven is always an enriching and engaging activity when your class is studying forms of energy or alternative and renewable energy sources. This lesson plan refers you to the re-energy.ca home website for specific...

Scientists need to have mastered algebraic slope-intercept concepts in order for this lesson plan to be effective. They will measure and graph solar panel output as a function of the amount of radiation striking it, discovering that...

In this first part of a two-part lesson, learners track and record the sun's azimuth using a solar panel. They graph and analyze the data to identify relationships among the time of day, the altitude and azimuth of the sun, and the...

Middle school science stars observe and record data on the solar radiation reflected off or transmitted through various materials. They predict properties for various materials, and test their predictions by touch. This lesson becomes...

Practical application of concepts taught in science make them stick with learners for years to come. Here, high schoolers read about energy efficient building methods and then experiment with insulation and passive solar heating....

What a wonderful way to explore wind power! Through this activity, learners get a background in the history of wind power, create their own wind turbine, and the test their designs. This is a terrific way to tie scientific principles to...

Pupils investigate the air pollution situation in China by fitting a curve to historical data. They dig deeper into environmental issues that are of interest and provide a mathematical analysis of the issue. Class members develop a route...

A single cow produces more than 100 pounds of manure every day. Meet a farmer using cow manure to provide energy to his farm, electric car, and the larger electric grid. He explains the process and benefits of the renewable energy source.