Students examine the efficiency of each alternative energy source as well as what limitations exist in terms of extracting the usable energy. They determine which energy source is most effective to the economy and the environment in the...

Learners examine the advantages and disadvantages of renewable and non renewable energy sources.  In this engineering instructional activity students explain what it means for a house to be "off the grid".

Students explore and discuss alternative energy sources, and identify disadvantages of current fossil fuels.

Students examine heat transfer using energy efficient houses.  In this heat transfer lesson students calculate the heat that is transferred between a system and its surroundings.

Investigate the maximum power output of a photovoltaic panel with a lesson that introduces the class to the maximum power point. Individuals learn how to determine the maximum power point of a solar panel by using Ohm's law and the power...

Apply the mantra of real estate to solar panels: location, location, location. Learners use a Solar Pathfinder to conduct site assessments for possible spots on school grounds to place a solar module. They find the amount of insolation...

Students research an energy source and create a Power Point presentation to share with the class. In this energy sources lesson, students are assigned an energy source to research. They use the Internet to research the source and create...

In this renewable energy worksheet, students put an X on their opinion on the energy source that will help the Earth's problems. Students have 5 energy sources to choose from and then complete math problems based on the results.

Students explore the concept of renewable energy. In this alternative energy lesson, students participate in a play that conveys information regarding wind energy. The script may be performed as a play with props or as a reader's theatre.

Emerging environmentalists work in groups and pretend that each is a power company generating electricity for a community. They consider the costs of building a renewable electricity generator that will increasingly replace generating...

Can't get enough of the Happy Game? Here it is again, this time students help Happy get a healthy lunch by answering questions related to the environment and natural resources. This is a great game to play prior to a lesson, to get an...

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...

An ambitious series of lessons await your high schoolers. In them, learners view many pieces of art that depict weather patterns. Pupils explore the use of rhythm and movement in the pieces and strive to create their own piece of art in...

Scientists know wind is a renewable resource, but is it an efficient one? Scholars adjust the propeller diameter on a wind turbine, the wind speed, and the conversion efficiency within range to learn about the efficiency of these...

Extracting oil is more difficult than many think! Learners work together and get hands-on as they represent oil companies drilling for oil by simulating oil extraction using beans. They identify the challenges faced in using...

Young hydrologists observe a waterwheel which helps them investigate the transformations of energy that occur when the blades of a hydro-turbine are turning. They work together in pairs and pretend to be engineers who are building a new...

Students write a report about energy use. For this conservation lesson, students interview adults about their use of renewable and nonrenewable energy. Students synthesize this information and write a report from the point of view of a...

Students identify renewable and nonrenewable resources. In this energy source lesson, students participate in a game to identify the various types of resources. There are various extensions to this lesson, such as tic-tac-toe and memory...

Students identify the energy sources in their community as renewable or non-renewable resources. Using their homes, they identify the types of energy they use to heat and power it. They calculate the amount of electricity used by each...

Students complete a KWL chart describing their knowledge or renewable and nonrenewable energy sources. They examine the Stirling Engine which is an external combustion engine and compare it to a Hero's Engine. They participate in a...

Students review the definition to the word "sustainability" from two sources. After reading excerpts of the World Commission on Environment and Development, they identify the recommendations of Johansson and Goldemberg. They discuss...

In this energy production instructional activity, students describe the difference between renewable and nonrenewable energy and identify the different types of energy. This instructional activity has 1 short answer, 1 matching, and 1...

Middle schoolers 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. ...

Students identify the five major alternative energy sources. For this physical science lesson, students assess the advantages and disadvantages for each type of energy. They complete a concept map using information they researched.