Source:
US Department of Energy
Published:
2021
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
HS,
Post Secondary
Description:

Published by US Department of Energy the Alternative Fuels Data Center is a wealth of data, maps, reports, interactives, case studies, and other resources on existing and emerging alternative fuel technologies, including electric vehicles, biodiesel, natural gas, hydrogen fuel cell, and others. Designed for fleet managers but applicable to high school classrooms, this can be a key research resource for understanding both the science and policy of alternative fuel transportation and applying to real world situations.

Location:
Source:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory NREL
Published:
2020
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
HS
Description:

This online resource is a quick and easy-to-use energy production calculator for grid-tied solar PV systems installed throughout the world that uses NREL scientific data. This website is used by solar photovoltaic energy installation and engineering professionals on a daily basis!

Location:
Source:
Island Press. Author Shalanda Baker
Published:
2021
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
MS,
HS,
Post Secondary
Description:

From the Publisher:

In Revolutionary Power, Shalanda Baker arms those made most vulnerable by our current energy system with the tools they need to remake the system in the service of their humanity. She argues that people of color, poor people, and indigenous people must engage in the creation of the new energy system in order to upend the unequal power dynamics of the current system.

Revolutionary Power is a playbook for the energy transformation complete with a step-by-step analysis of the key energy policy areas that are ripe for intervention. Baker tells the stories of those who have been left behind in our current system and those who are working to be architects of a more just system. She draws from her experience as an energy-justice advocate, a lawyer, and a queer woman of color to inspire activists working to build our new energy system.

Climate change will force us to rethink the way we generate and distribute energy and regulate the system. But how much are we willing to change the system? This unique moment in history provides an unprecedented opening for a deeper transformation of the energy system, and thus, an opportunity to transform society. Revolutionary Power shows us how.

Location:
Sphero SPRK+

Solar SPRK+ Unit Overview

Grades:
6-8
Unit:
Description:

This unit incorporates basic programming knowledge and solar energy into an engineering design challenge using Sphero SPRK+ robots. The theme for this challenge centers on the idea of Mars rovers, and the challenges faced in space exploration, specifically...

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Learning Goal(s):
Students will develop tools to use in the Engineering Design Process.Students will learn drag and drop programming with Sphero Edu (formerly Lightning Lab).Students will determine how series and parallel circuits affect voltage and current.Students will understand how to use photovoltaic sources to charge a SPRK+.Students will design a chariot to carry a photovoltaic power source for a SPRK+.Students will learn to program a SPRK+ ball and chariot through a maze.
Author:
Deb Frankel
Estimated Activity Length:
10 hours
Source:
The Plenary Co
Published:
2021
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
MS,
HS,
OST,
Post Secondary
Description:

In the past few years, progress has been made to inspire and support more students in the pursuit of STE(A)M careers. The goal of the “I Am A Scientist” initiative is to contribute to these efforts by providing accessible toolkits that humanize and increase the representation of diverse, real world, and multidimensional science and scientists.

In addition to creating original resources, we also aim to centralize and amplify some of the best existing, mission-aligned resources available for students and teachers by serving as a digital gateway.

OUR APPROACH

We have carefully crafted an approach that we believe addresses a need for connecting the next generation of potential and aspiring scientists to the science and stories of real world researchers that shatter ubiquitous stereotypes. This need is one small part of a much larger and much more complex tapestry of inequities, injustices, and both systemic and institutional biases at the intersection of science and society.

Our model continues to evolve and expand based on our highly valued conversations with and studying the work of educators, community advocates, and science communicators who are committed to the goal of increasing representation, inclusivity, and accessibility in and of STE(A)M careers for all students. The “I Am A Scientist” initiative aims to serve as one piece of a much larger body of work and strategies produced by leaders across communities to address these issues.

  

Location:
Other Subjects Covered:
Electric Current Induction

Wave Attenuator Unit Overview

Grades:
6-12
Description:

Through a series of learning experiences, students will experiment with the basic concepts of motion to electrical energy transformation. Students start by building a series of models that demonstrate the interactions between magnetic and electric fields....

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Learning Goal(s):
1. Students will demonstrate energy transfer through space using electromagnetic phenomena. 2. Students will design a model that demonstrates that a current-carrying wire can induce magnetism. 3. Students will define and build an electromagnet. 4. Students will demonstrate electromagnetic induction. 5. Students will describe and model the energy transfer and transformation in a wave attenuator. 6. Students will build a wave attenuator using a diagram and selected materials. 7. Students will test the model wave attenuator they built. 8. Students will investigate variables that may affect the output of an energy conversion device (wave attenuator). 9. Students will interpret data to identify which variables increase electrical output for these model wave attenuators. 10. Students will communicate results from scientific inquiry to identify factors that are important to optimizing the design of a wave attenuator.
Author:
Tabatha Roderick
Estimated Activity Length:
10 hours
Arduino Angler Design

Illuminate Me: Merging Conductive Sewing, Technology, and Solar Power

Grades:
7-12
Description:

Light up your clothing using solar power! For this unit, students will attach thin, flexible solar modules to a bike helmet and recharge NiMH rechargeable batteries for a renewable energy battery pack. The rechargeable batteries will be used to light up...

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Learning Goal(s):
1. Students will design and sew a wearable circuit using conductive thread. 2. Students will program a wearable microcontroller to light up garment with bright LEDs. 3. Students will incorporate solar power into a wearable garment project by recharging NiMH batteries for a renewable energy battery pack. 4. Students will apply knowledge of circuitry and energy transfer to maximize design.
Author:
Kristy Schneider
Estimated Activity Length:
10 hours
Source:
US Department of Energy
Published:
2017
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
PreK-2,
3-5,
MS,
HS,
OST,
Post Secondary
Description:

Energy Literacy: Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts for Energy Education is an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning about energy. The framework identifies seven Essential Principles and a set of Fundamental Concepts to support each principle. The guide does not seek to identify all areas of energy understanding, but rather to focus on those that are essential for all citizens K-Gray. It presents energy concepts that, if understood and applied, will help individuals and communities make informed energy decisions.

Location:
Source:
KSPS-PBS Spokane Workforce Council
Published:
2021
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
MS,
HS,
Post Secondary
Description:

A robust and growing website highlighting dozens of careers in many industires, including a number tied to energy (Architecture/Construction, Manufacturing, Engineering, Tech, Business Management, etc.). Each career feature is robust, highlighting PNW salary ranges, required education and skills, and featuring stories of professionals. A great career-connected resource. 

Other Subjects Covered: