This instructional activity is preparation-intensive, but well worth the investment. You will construct five or six portable testing stations with which lab groups will gather data on the best position for collecting sunlight with a...

What do corn and career exploration have in common? A lot, if you're considering an agricultural career that contributes to alternative fuel resources. Through a series of films, presentations, activities, and readings, learners will...

In this first part of a two-part lesson plan, 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...

Future energy engineers visit several stations, each one dedicated to a different alternative source of energy. They describe how solar energy is converted into other forms of energy, the patterns of distribution of energy resources in...

If you have solar car kits for your junior high schoolers, they can experiment with photovoltaic cell angle, light intensity, and aerodynamic design to discover what makes their car move more quickly. This is a classic activity to use...

Students explore photovoltaic systems. In this alternative energy lesson, students calculate solar panel efficiency and convert devices to solar energy using photovoltaic cells.

When we think of ocean exploration, many of us have visions of sunken pirate ships full of treasure or mysterious creatures of the deep. What really motivates deep-sea investigation? The first in a series of diverse six-part lessons...

Bring some energy to your physical science curriculum with this engaging Bill Nye the Science Guy lesson. Based on his Renewable Energy video, students explore the concepts of potential and kinetic energy and learn how they are applied...

Waste not, want not! Science scholars explore manure as an alternative energy source through reading and experimentation. Groups construct their own biofuel digesters and observe the process of methane production. The teacher's guide...

Students explore the advances that are being made in alternative fuels.In this biodiesel lesson students evaluate different petroleum and alternative fuels.

Students identify the different sources of fossil fuels. In this environmental science lesson, students research about how these impact our environment. They explore renewable energy sources that could replace fossil fuels.

How is wind produced and is it a good source for energy production? Get some air moving in your class. Learners take a pre-test, watch a demonstration of how electricity can be generated by wind energy, test different turbine factors for...

A hands-on simulation perfect for an economics lesson, young learners investigate the availability of different sources of natural energy (coal, natural gas, oil, solar, and nuclear) and how this availability affects their cost....

Are the earth's oceans really just giant batteries, waiting for their energy to be harnessed? Middle school mechanical engineers will be shocked by the amazing amount of energy that forms around them after diving into part four of a...

Students explore the energy resources of the ocean. In this energy lesson, students participate in 4 activities focused on energy resources from the ocean.

Students identify and explore renewable energy options and then research, develop and install a renewable energy system in their school or community. Students identify the use of renewable energy sources in the north, demonstrate their...

Students explore how energy transforms into heat.  In this energy lesson students create models and find a need for fuel to make a Stirling engine. 

Students examine the relationship between energy and the environment. In groups, they participate in experiments to discover the law of thermodynamics and the differences between potential, kinetic and mechanical forms of energy. They...

Sixth graders explore the many uses of corn as a renewable source. In this biodegradable resource instructional activity, 6th graders investigate how corn is used in manufacturing and as a fuel. Students construct a piece of homemade...

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.

In the study of science, there is always going to be research, data, theories and wonderful new discoveries. I feel that my interest about energy will help me design an adequate unit full of intrigue and discovery. The pupils should also...

Pupils take a trip on a science trail to explore how corn and soybeans can be made into fuel. They make a list of byproducts that come from soybeans. Afterward, they participate in the activities related to the creation of ethanol such...

Students examine energy, where it comes from and the different fuels that are used.  In this energy lesson students design an energy infrastructure using a renewable energy source. 

Students investigate how different colors and materials create various temperatures and apply this it the concept of solar energy.