National Renewable Energy Laboratory
No Fossils in This Fuel
Yeast and sugar go beyond the pantry and into a fuel experiment. Use these common baking ingredients to assist your class in creating ethanol, a natural fuel. Pupils observe the process and gather information to elaborate on the...
Curated OER
Waterwheel Work
Students investigate the history of the waterwheel and common uses for water turbines today. They construct an experimental waterwheel using a two-liter plastic bottle, measure the rate of revolution of a waterwheel, and complete a...
Curated OER
Applied Science - Technology (3A) Post Lab
Third graders discuss how energy is created. In this energy instructional activity, 3rd graders look at how a city receives energy and how it is made. They create their own generator using a pin wheel and pipe cleaners.
Curated OER
Applied Science - Built Environment (2) Pre Lab
Second graders review how our society affects nature. In this energy lesson, 2nd graders discuss the different ways that energy is collected. They review renewable and nonrenewable energy sources.
Wild BC
Greenhouse Gas Line-Up
Discuss different sources of energy and how much greenhouse gas each might emit. The six sources are then ranked according to emissions from greatest to least. Finally, the true cumulative emissions are revealed to show the class how...
DiscoverE
Working with Watermills
Water is a powerful force; harness it through watermills. The task at hand is to create a simple watermill that functions in flowing water for at least three minutes. Scholars work together in teams to design and construct such a...
Curated OER
Power, Work and the Waterwheel
Middle schoolers use a two-liter bottle, dowel rod and index cards to design and construct a water wheel. They then calculate the power created and measure the work done by the water wheel in Watts and Joules.
Curated OER
Gotta Have Energy
Students explore energy. They discuss the types and uses of energy and research an assigned energy source. They create a "benefits versus potential environmental impacts" chart that lists energy sources and possible impacts. They...
Global Oneness Project
Bearing Witness
A controversial construction project in South America, the Belo Monte dam, is endangering local cultures, ecosystems, and communities. High schoolers create a concept map based on an online article they read before engaging in discussion...
Curated OER
Energize Your Future
Students consider the positive and negative aspects of alternative energy. In this physical science lesson, students consider the sources of energy they use everyday. Students compare alternative sources of energy and complete a...
Curated OER
Poster Presentations
Students create visual displays explaining how nuclear power is used to produce electricity. They create a display board that shows the chain reaction, the fission process, and a schematic diagram of the reactor.
Foundation for Water & Energy Education
Perpetual Flow Activity
Set up a demonstration of how gravity can drive the perpetual flow of water during your hydro power unit. Science learners work in teams to make observations and formulate questions about how it works. They compare the model to what they...
Intel
Using Electricity on the Job
Learners explore electricity, discussing its importance and researching different ways in which electricity can be generated. Groups present their findings to the class and then create publicity materials which promote and educate about...
Curated OER
Electricity Generation
Students study the history of electricity and the different ways we generate electricity. In this electricity lesson students complete several experiments on generating power.
Curated OER
ENERGY USE ADDS UP!
Students investigate the amount of power used in your home and what appliances use the most. They analyze the concept that producing energy costs us money, affects our environment and produces waste products. Students come up with three...
Curated OER
A Case of Innovation
Young scholars use strategies to comprehend technical writing. They write reports with great detail, supporting material, and clear vocabulary. They incorporate source materials into their speaking and writing and use voice, tone, and...
Curated OER
Solar Matters
Students design an energy resource wheel and demonstrate how to use it to access information about renewable and nonrenewable energy sources.
Curated OER
Wind Logic Puzzles
Students listen to books on wind energy for background knowledge. In this wind logic puzzle, students use knowledge of wind energy and critical thinking skills to complete logic puzzles. Students may work in groups or individually as...
Curated OER
Two Ways About It
Students take an imaginary hike in two opposite directions along a lake. They view and interpret satellite images and discuss the pros and cons of hydroelectric dams.
Curated OER
Generators: Three Mile Island vs. Hoover Dam
Learners are given a history of electricity and its development into the modern age lifeline upon which we so depend. The methods of power generation are introduced, and further discussion of each technology's pros and cons follows. ...
Curated OER
China's Three Gorges Dam
A very well-done resource includes an informational reading passage describing the controversy and impact of China's Three Gorges Dam. It also includes eight guided reading questions, a pros/cons arguments chart, and a creative writing...
Nikola Tesla documentary student worksheet
PBS documentary: Tesla - Master of Lightning; this worksheet will keep the students engaged while watching this excellent documentary about Tesla. The documentary can be found on Netflix or YouTube. It will take two class periods to...
Curated OER
Splitting the Penstock
Students investigate the best way to calculate the measurements of an area. In this geometry activity, students relate a large circle to a cylinder and its measurements. They use PVC pipes to gain hands on experience as they calculate...
Curated OER
Social Studies Review for Grade 5 (5.1)
In this social studies review for grade 5 (5.1) worksheet, 5th graders answer 25 multiple choice questions in a standardized test format about U.S. history.