These STEM Packs for grades PreK-5 use picture books to engage students in a series of 40 minute pre-designed STEM lessons with associated materials. Many kits are reusable or easily refurbishable with basic materials. The topics are derived explicitly from NGSS and are aligned with the standards across multiple Disciplinary Core Ideas. CE and AIU co-developed two energy-focused Storytime STEM Packs, including "Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" investigation and engineering design and "My Papi has a Motorcycle" energy use exploration.
Engineering Design
A great in-depth 101 on the electrical grid (10:24 runtime, includes and ad for the creator's sponsorship) which covers many of the basics of the purpose and issues in the electrical grid.
An interactive map that examines the opportunity and impact of wind development in the Great Plains states, with an opportunity for students to explore siting of wind facilities using factors that professionals would be required to consider. Great for both tech skills and problems solving skills development.
Open EI is a database with a wealth of educational and career-connected energy resources, with a focus on hydropower but inclusive of more general energy topics. Highlights includes Day in the Life Professional video series featuring diverse professionals in multiple careers, and additional career-connected and hydropower education resources.
Simple Solar Tracker
Students will be shown a working example of a solar tracker and asked to replicate the design based on their observations. The design incorporates four solar cells arranged in two arrays with each array reverse biased such that they generate a voltage that...
Solar SPRK+ Unit Overview
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...
STEM AC is Idaho's statewide resource for everything STEM, including a wealth of programs, grants, oportunities, partnerships and more for Idaho's STEM educators. The mission of STEM AC is: Engineering innovative opportunities for educators, students, communities, and industry to build a competitive Idaho workforce and economy through STEM and computer science education.
STEM Rising inspires, educates, and sparks lifelong success in STEM by sharing resources & events from the National Labs, National Nuclear Security Administration, and program offices. View our STEM resources for students, teachers, and workforce
Two really fantastic and engaging engineering challenges held both nationally and online for grades 4-12: Wind Engineering and Solar Structures. Educators and students are provided with scaffolded lessons for engaging in the fundmanetal content of the challenge, as well as guidance for how to prepare and structure the challenge. Challenges can be run at the class, school, district, or regional level and the in-person challenge includes regional and national competitions. Kidwind also provide professional development opportunities for educators.
A series of 9 hands-on lessons (grades 2-12) that explore wind and solar energy, cirtcuity and electricity generation using a mixture of design and DIY tools. The includes materials lists and video support guides for implementing the curriculum.
Contact Us
Bonneville Environmental Foundation
1500 SW 1st Avenue, Suite 710
Portland OR 97201
phone: 503-248-1905