Multiple Learning Styles

Sources of Energy

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

Students will be able to identify the different ways that electrical energy (electricity) is transformed (generated) and identify different everyday items that use electricity.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Multiple Learning Styles

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Author:

Mike Hellis

Relevant NGSS PE:

4-PS3-2,

4-ESS3-1,

5-ESS3-1

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Speaking & Listening,

ELA: Vocabulary Development

Estimated Activity Length:

1 hour

Part 1 - Lesson 2: What is electricity and how do we use it?

Grades:

6-12

Unit:

Lesson Number:

Description:

During this lesson students will learn about how electricity originates at an atomic level and that electricity moves through conductors and can be directed using circuits. Students will used guided reading techniques to explore informational texts and...

Energy Content:

Circuitry,

Electrons,

Energy Fundamentals,

Materials Science

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

1.Students will define scientific vocabulary related to electricity.2.Students will be able to describe how electricity moves through a conductor.3.Students will draw and describe series and parallel circuits.

Pedagogy & Practice:

English Language Strategies,

Project-Based Learning

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

2: Developing and Using Models,

7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence,

8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Author:

Jonathan Strunin

Relevant NGSS PE:

MS-PS3-2

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Informational Text,

ELA: Reading: Scientific & Technical,

ELA: Vocabulary Development

Estimated Activity Length:

5 hours

Our Place in Space: Tracking the Earth's Path Around the Sun

Grades:

1-3

Unit:

Our Place in Space

Lesson Number:

Description:

During sessions in October, January, and April we will discuss observations about the weather during that season (temperature, length of day, precipitation) and explore how this relates to the Earth’s movement around the Sun. The lesson series will start...

Energy Content:

Energy Fundamentals,

Light (Visible),

Thermal Energy (Heat)

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

Students will be able describe how the Earth orbits the Sun and how the tilt of the planet creates the seasons by recording the ‘Sun’s path’ in our sky in the fall, winter, and spring.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Multiple Learning Styles

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data

Author:

Jamie Repasky

Relevant NGSS PE:

1-ESS1-1,

1-ESS1-2,

3-ESS2-1

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Writing,

ELA: Vocabulary Development

Estimated Activity Length:

6 hours

Part 1- Lesson 3: Home Energy Audit

Grades:

6-12

Unit:

Lesson Number:

Description:

During this lesson, students will focus on where energy is used within their homes, how energy consumption is calculated, and how energy consumption can be reduced. Students will conduct a home energy audit and determine multiple ways to reduce energy...

Energy Content:

Circuitry,

Demand Response,

Electronics,

Electrons,

Energy Efficiency,

Smart Grid

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

1.Students will identify all ways that energy is consumed within their homes.2.Students will perform an energy audit of their home and calculate the amount of energy used by each electronic device and appliances.3.Students will create a spreadsheet demonstrating the electricity required to operate each electronic device and appliance, along with a summary of finding that clearly identifies how energy consumption can be reduced within their home.4.Students will explore various ways to reduce energy (goal is 30% reduction).5.Students will propose a variety of energy reduction plans and present those options to their families for discussion.6.After discussion with their families, students will itemize the agreed upon plan and identify specific actions that result in quantifiable outcomes that will implemented to reduce energy consumption by their families.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Empathetic Engineering,

Field Work,

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

Cooking with the Sun and Solar Ovens

4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,

5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,

6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,

8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Author:

Jonathan Strunin

Relevant NGSS PE:

MS-ESS3-4,

MS-ETS1-1,

MS-ETS1-2,

MS-ETS1-3,

HS-ESS3-2,

HS-ESS3-4,

HS-ETS1-1,

HS-ETS1-2,

HS-ETS1-3,

HS-ETS1-4

Other Subjects Covered:

Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,

Math: Algebra,

Math: Functions,

Math: Measurement,

Math: Ratios & Proportions

Estimated Activity Length:

4 hours

Saving Lives with Solar Ovens

Grades:

3-5

Unit:

Lesson Number:

Description:

Students will be introduced to Solar Cookers International. Students will learn about different solar cooker designs and how they function. Students will learn the pros and cons on the use of solar ovens in developing countries. Students will gain an...

Energy Content:

Solar Thermal

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

Students will learn about different solar cooker designs and how they function. Students will learn the customs, jobs, food and clothing of people in different countries of Africa.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Empathetic Engineering,

Research-Secondary,

Social-Emotional Learning,

STEAM/Arts

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Author:

Lisa Morgan

Relevant NGSS PE:

3-ESS2-1,

3-ESS2-2,

4-PS3-2,

4-PS3-4,

4-ESS3-1,

3-5-ETS1-1,

3-5-ETS1-2,

3-5-ETS1-3

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Informational Text,

ELA: Reading: Literature,

ELA: Speaking & Listening,

ELA: Writing,

Social Sciences: Multicultural Studies

Estimated Activity Length:

50 min

Part 2 - Lesson 1: Renewable Energy Panel

Grades:

6-12

Unit:

Lesson Number:

Description:

Students will meet with local planners or other available energy experts to discuss public policy regarding the use of wind turbines and solar arrays to generate electricity. Students develop questions for a panel of professionals regarding considerations...

Energy Content:

Electricity Generation,

Microgrids,

Solar Photovoltaic,

Wind Energy

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

1.Students will gain background information regarding the limitations of having and wind and solar generating infrastructure within city and county limits, including environmental, aesthetic, and cultural considerations. 2.Students will compile criteria for placement of wind and solar energy sources.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Empathetic Engineering,

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Author:

Jonathan Strunin

Relevant NGSS PE:

HS-ESS3-2

Other Subjects Covered:

Environmental Sciences,

CTE: Career & Technical Education,

Social Sciences: Analysis,

Social Sciences: Civics,

Social Sciences: Geography

Estimated Activity Length:

1 hour

Part 2 - Lesson 2: Wind Energy

Grades:

6-12

Unit:

Lesson Number:

Description:

Students will learn about wind and how wind varies across geographies. Students will use Vernier Wind Turbine kits or homemade wind turbines to experiment with blade angles and wind speed. During experimentation, students will collect data as blade angles...

Energy Content:

Electricity Generation,

Wind Energy

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

1.Students will conduct an experiment where blade angles are the variable and wind speed is constant.2.Students will conduct an experiment where blade angles are constant and wind speed varies.3.Students will collect and analyze data to provide a conclusion to the questions: What is the optimal blade angle for generating the most energy? What is the optimal wind speed for generating the most energy?4.Students will research prevailing winds and use a provided map of their region to indicate wind speed and direction.5.Students will propose locations for wind farms based on optimal energy generation and zoning restrictions.6.Based on their proposals, students will determine a range of potential kilowatt generation from wind power.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Project-Based Learning

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

2: Developing and Using Models,

4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,

5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,

6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,

7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence,

8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Author:

Jonathan Strunin

Relevant NGSS PE:

MS-ESS3-3,

MS-ESS3-4,

MS-ETS1-1,

MS-ETS1-2,

MS-ETS1-3,

MS-ETS1-4,

MS-PS3-2,

HS-ESS3-2,

HS-ESS3-4,

HS-ETS1-1,

HS-ETS1-2,

HS-ETS1-3,

HS-ETS1-4,

HS-PS3-3

Other Subjects Covered:

Math: Measurement,

Social Sciences: Geography

Estimated Activity Length:

10 hours

Solar vs. Battery Circuits

Grades:

4-5

Unit:

Solar Ovens

Lesson Number:

Description:

In this lesson, students will explore and do small experiments with mini solar panels and circuit boards. The class will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy. Students will continue to work in their Solar Energy Student Notebooks to...

Energy Content:

Batteries & Storage,

Biomass Energy,

Solar Photovoltaic

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

Students will do experiments that reinforce the idea that the sun’s energy can be transferred into electrical energy. Students will also explore and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of solar energy. Students will discuss how solar energy compares to other forms of energy generation.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Multiple Learning Styles

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence

Author:

Debbie Abel

Relevant NGSS PE:

4-PS3-2,

4-PS3-4,

3-5-ETS1-1,

3-5-ETS1-2,

3-5-ETS1-3

Other Subjects Covered:

ELA: Writing

Estimated Activity Length:

50 min

Part 2 - Lesson 3: Solar Energy

Grades:

6-12

Unit:

Lesson Number:

Description:

Students will work with local government staff or another local energy professional to propose a way to create enough solar power energy to supply the annual energy needs for a real building. Students will be provided with on-site options, and will...

Energy Content:

Electricity Generation,

Smart Grid,

Solar Photovoltaic

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

1.Students will conduct an experiment to determine how electrical output changes as solar panels as the azimuth and tilts are incrementally changed.2.Students will conduct an experiment to determine how electrical output changes as solar panels are shaded.3.Students will work with the staff from your city or town to calculate the amount of potential electrical energy that can be collected from solar panels based upon the location and size of the system.4.Students will use existing solar data to determine the number of solar panels required to power the building in question.

Pedagogy & Practice:

NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:

4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,

5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,

8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Author:

Jonathan Strunin

Relevant NGSS PE:

HS-ETS1-1,

HS-ETS1-2,

HS-ETS1-3,

HS-ETS1-4

Other Subjects Covered:

Math: Geometry,

Math: Graphing & Representation,

Math: Measurement,

Math: Ratios & Proportions,

Social Sciences: Economics

Estimated Activity Length:

6 hours

Part 3 – Lesson 1: A Plan for Renewable Energy Goals

Grades:

6-12

Unit:

Lesson Number:

Description:

Students will utilize their home energy audits from Part 1, the information they gathered from the wind and solar assessments in Part 2, and the knowledge they gained from the solar project in Part 2 to devise a plan for your city or town to meet renewable...

Energy Content:

Solar Photovoltaic,

Wind Energy

More Details Less Details

Learning Goal(s):

1.Students will utilize previously acquired information about energy needs to create a renewable energy proposal for their city or town.2.Students will perform a solar energy audit on their homes and use class averages to calculate the amount of renewable energy that can be generated on residential properties.3.Students will assess where commercial and local government solar projects can occur within the city or town to meet the energy needs for non-residential consumers.4.Students will determine potential locations for larger scale wind and solar farms to augment the remaining energy needs of the community.5.Students will prepare a comprehensive renewable energy plan that totals the calculations for potential residential, commercial, and agency renewable energy generation.6.Students will prepare a brief PowerPoint presentation that summarizes their comprehensive plans that will be presented to a panel of elected officials or local experts/stakeholders.

Pedagogy & Practice:

Field Work,