Science Matters
Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources
Did you know there are at least 12 different energy sources? Scholars apply their knowledge about the different types of energy as they sort energy sources by renewable and nonrenewable. Then they pick one from each section to explain in...
Kenan Fellows
Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Energy Resources
Is one type of energy inherently good or bad? Young scientists explore energy resources in a week-long unit. After extensive research, groups create powerful position statements and presentations supporting their energy resource of choice.
National Wildlife Federation
An Energy Mix: Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources
What did the windmill say about renewable energy? I'm a BIG fan! Lesson three in the series of 12 has classes discuss potential and kinetic energy and then, in pairs, they complete a web quest over the different types of energy...
Society of Petroleum Engineers
Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy
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...
Science Matters
Solar Energy
The solar energy industry in the United States added more jobs in 2015 than the oil and gas extraction and pipeline industries combined. With the field growing so rapidly, it's essential to understand what solar energy is and how it...
Curated OER
Chocolate Chip Cookie Mining
Young scholars explore nonrenewable energy resources. In this coal lesson, students investigate how coal is formed and how it is used as a source of energy. Young scholars mine for "coal" using toothpicks and chocolate chip cookies.
American Chemical Society
Preparation and Combustion of Biodiesel
The United States is the world's largest producer of biofuel. During an in-class investigation, young scientists produce their own biodiesel. They burn a sample of it to determine the heat of combustion. Then they discuss the results...
Curated OER
Renewable Energy Sources
Place learners into groups to research and present different renewable energy sources. As individuals listen to the class presentations, they take notes and then write a persuasive article defending the form of energy that they feel...
Curated OER
Exploring Alternative Energies
Students research various forms of alternative energy sources and examine the pros and cons of each type. They discuss American oil dependence and the Bush administration's policies regarding this issue.
Curated OER
The Power of the Plug: How Electricity Will Change Our Lives... Again
Students study electricity. In this physics activity, students review electrical energy by discussing three ways of generating it. Students explore various energy sources used for creating electricity and examine how different states...
Curated OER
Water Is Cool!
Students explore the importance of water. In this water lesson, students view a table to determine the amount of water found in the oceans, lakes, atmosphere, and streams. Students discuss ways to be a good steward of water.
Curated OER
Running on Renewables
Students investigate the costs and benefits of switching their school to sustainable technology energy production. They use software called HOMER developed by the National Renewable Energy Lab to do the cost/ benefit analysis. They then...
Curated OER
Using Natural Resources In Chinese And Japanese Art
Students discuss the uses and availability of natural resources in China and Japan and how those resources effected visual art from each country. This lesson includes two possible enrichment activities.
Curated OER
On the Surface
Students draw and label the 15 major rivers in Texas. They then draw and label another map with the major lakes and reservioirs of Texas. Students use the maps and locate and label the location of the following major Texas cities:...