Alternative energy sources are becoming increasingly important. Learners have the opportunity to explore alternative energy sources using a differentiated instruction unit. They group together based on ability levels, assign roles to...

The Industrial Revolution changed transportation systems, social systems, and economies. Episode 21 of Crash Course History of Science examines the Industrial Revolution. From the invention and improvements to the steam engine to the...

Plastic bags, laptops, and even toothpaste all contain petroleum. A lesson explains how to define fossil fuels, including petroleum, and the many uses for fossil fuels in our everyday lives. It also details why new sources need to...

At one point, scale trees accounted for nearly half of the biomass in North America and Europe. An installment of a longer video series introduces these strange plants and describes their features, adaptations, and eventual demise. It...

Turn your class discussion of rock formation from ho-hum to holy hornfels! Junior geologists gain experience in identifying rock types and rock origins, with an emphasis in hypothesizing the environment needed to form certain rocks. The...

Water wheels were first used more than 2,000 years ago, yet now they are only a small part of the energy generation people have come to expect. The Michigan-based energy unit covers the common types of energy used, residential energy...

Coal forms from the ancient remains of plants that were alive on Earth before the dinosaurs! Scholars use their t-charts from the previous lesson over resources and research to determine if their information is correct. Through analysis...

If someone yelled for eight years and eight months, they could produce enough energy to heat one cup of coffee. A lesson on energy encourages scholars to research 10 different energy sources in groups before playing a game. Twenty...

Lab closed, gone fission! This video discusses both fission and fusion and their relationship to each other. In addition, it also explains why uranium, plutonium, and hydrogen are used and which process uses which elements. 

Energize your class with a shocking instructional activity on energy — for both today and tomorrow. Class members investigate the energy sources of their local power company. Groups then work together to determine the impact of one...

As scientists prove environmental impacts of using coal as an energy resource, do you think Santa regrets giving out so much of it? Through a demonstration of acid rain, pupils learn what makes it, where it occurs, the impact of it, and...

When I was young, I was afraid of the dark. Now I am afraid of getting the electric bill. This fourth lesson in a series of eight focuses on coal mining, conservation, and energy efficiency. Scholars start by taking data from a table and...

It's easy to take for granted the the importance of electricity in modern society, and even easier to overlook the environmental cost that is paid for all that energy. Watch as this video explores the detrimental impact burning coal has...

Not all energy sources are renewable, as learners investigate in this unit. Made up of six lessons that span a few weeks of instruction, the unit has learners examining US energy reserves and consumption, using data to draw conclusions...

Energize an environmental science unit on natural resources with this collection of instructional materials. From simple coloring sheets for primary grade children, to guiding questions for a high school research report, a wide variety...

Using 3D animations, pupils are given a tour of a power plant and taught the step-by-step process of burning coal to generate electricity. The animations are engaging and educational. Your young scientists will grow in their knowledge of...

Beginning with unrelated scenes of strip-mined land, power plants, and deserted towns, this video stimulates viewers to rethink the types of energy we use. This impactful presentation has no narration, only clips from the mining process....

The maps display the statistics for energy consumption and power production, state by state. They are tremendous visual aids for your natural resources unit. Consider having your class compare energy consumption versus production, or...

All types of energy are presented here, with neat pictures and labels to illustrate the technology typically used. Ways of harnessing the energy most efficiently are discussed, and good examples provide starters for further research....

Political cartoons are a poignant way to examine energy sources. This analysis handout has scholars examining a cartoon by Joe Heller (a link to his gallery is included for possible extensions). Background information reminds pupils of...

What is a fossil fuel? Ever heard that question? Well, now you have an answer, or least a research project that will allow learners to find the answer on their own. They research how electricity is generated from coal then create a...

Do not overlook this set of lessons just because your school does not have a data analysis system. There is plenty of material here to administer a complete mini unit on the formation, distribution, and properties of coal. Since it...

In this coal formation worksheet, students read and informational sheet about coal formation. Students are given 5 short-answer questions regarding what they've read.