Part 1 - Lesson 1: Why Use Renewable Energy?

Grades:
6-12
Unit:
A Community Powered by Renewable Energy
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

The purpose of this lesson is for students to obtain base knowledge of how renewable and non-renewable energy is generated and identify differences between renewable resources and fossil fuels. Students will research the potential long-term and short-term...

Energy Content:
Electricity Generation,
Energy Fundamentals,
Fuels,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy,
Wind Energy
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1.Students will define and explain the differences between renewable and non-renewable energy sources.2.Students will research, summarize, and present the (short- and long-term) benefits and drawbacks of utilizing wind and solar energy.  3.Students will research, summarize, and present the (short- and long-term) benefits and drawbacks of utilizing fossil fuels.4.Students will generate questions about the greenhouse gas effect, identify and isolate variables, and then conduct an experiment to answer a class generated question about the greenhouse gas effect.5.Through Socratic seminar, students will use the knowledge gained over the course of this lesson to discuss the potential long- and short-term benefits and drawbacks of using fossil fuels, solar energy, and wind energy.
Pedagogy & Practice:
English Language Strategies,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Place-Based Learning,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary,
Research-Primary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Jonathan Strunin
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ESS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Reading: Scientific & Technical,
Math: Graphing & Representation
Estimated Activity Length:
8 hours
Design a 50 Year Energy Plan

Diving into the Physics of Motors and Generators

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
50 Year Energy Plan
Lesson Number:
2
Description:

Using energy analysis and some tinkering students hand wind speakers to play music from a phone. This acts as a phenomenon to engage students in the exploration of electromagnetism. At this point, they have created a motor, which utilizes electric current...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity Generation,
Electronics,
Electrons
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1. Through hands-on exploration, create a working speaker for a cellphone. 2. Use the creation of a speaker to observe as a model for the process of generating electrical current in a simple generator/motor. 
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Research-Secondary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Bradford Hill
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-PS2-5,
HS-PS3-3
Estimated Activity Length:
5 hours
Dye in Water

Developing a Model of Thermal Energy, Atoms, and Molecules

Grades:
6-8
Unit:
Chemical Differences in Emergency Energy Sources
Lesson Number:
2
Description:

Through a series of exploration and inquiry activities, students will explain kinetic molecular theory, atomic, and molecular structures. Students will be challenged to gradually increase the precision of their explanation of molecular-level structures...

Energy Content:
Electrons,
Materials Science,
Potential & Kinetic Energy,
Thermal Energy (Heat)
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will develop a model through collaborative inquiry to explain thermal kinetic energy and predict the outcome when heat is added to a substance. Students will build argumentation from evidence skills through collaborative sense-making and gallery walk presentations. Students will develop a model of atomic and molecular structures.  
Pedagogy & Practice:
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
2: Developing and Using Models,
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Author:
Melody Childers
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-PS1-4
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Reading: Literature,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing,
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement,
Math: Ratios & Proportions
Estimated Activity Length:
9 hours
Thermal Convection

Where Does Energy Go?

Grades:
3-8
Unit:
Solar Updraft Towers
Lesson Number:
2
Description:

This lesson consists of six demonstration activities that show examples of ways in which water and air absorb heat to transfer energy from one place to another. These demonstration activities act as unique phenomena in which students can generate questions...

Energy Content:
Energy Fundamentals,
Solar Thermal,
Sources of Energy,
Thermal Energy (Heat),
Wind Energy
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will understand that hot air risesStudents will understand why hot water and hot air rise and cold air and cold water sink.Students will learn that wind is produced by warm air rising and cold air sinking.Students will learn that the energy of moving hot air can be converted into other forms of energy.Students will understand that energy from the sun can be converted into heat.Students will discuss the effects of the chimney stack phenomenon.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Group Work/Collaboration,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Lisa Morgan
Relevant NGSS PE:
4-PS3-2,
4-PS3-3,
4-PS3-4,
4-ESS3-1,
3-5-ETS1-1,
3-5-ETS1-2,
3-5-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing
Estimated Activity Length:
5 hours
Energy Transformations

What is Energy Transfer?

Grades:
4-6
Unit:
Solar Boats
Lesson Number:
2
Description:

Students will continue to build an understanding of the fundamentals of energy through observing and describing a variety of energy transformations and build on their foundational vocabulary for identifying and discussing energy concepts. In this stage of...

Energy Content:
Electrical Energy,
Energy Fundamentals,
Light (Visible),
Potential & Kinetic Energy,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sound,
Thermal Energy (Heat)
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will obtain the foundational knowledge of energy sources and forms of energy. In addition, students will learn that energy can transfer from one form to another. Students will be able to match images of energy transformations to their respected vocabulary.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Hands-on Materials,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems
Author:
Carol Patrick
Relevant NGSS PE:
4-PS3-2
Estimated Activity Length:
2 hours

Exploring Eco-Friendly Battery Design

Grades:
4-5
Unit:
Understanding E-Waste Through Battery Design
Lesson Number:
2
Description:

In this lesson students will experiment with everyday household items to make batteries. Students will use lemons, potatoes, pennies, and cola to make batteries, and compare the amount of voltage produced. These lessons can be expanded to test a variety of...

Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity Generation,
Electrons,
Energy Fundamentals,
Hydrogen,
Materials Science,
Potential & Kinetic Energy,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Wind Energy
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1.Students will explore methods to produce energy from everyday items such as potatoes, lemons, pennies, and cola.2.Students will explore battery design and transfer of energy through hands on experiments with household items.3.Students will measure voltage and experiment methods to increase voltage. 4.Students will extend lessons to test out a variety of other materials such as varieties of fruits, vegetables, and sodas to compare different voltage produced. 5.Students will collect and record data from all their experiments to compare the different voltage produced. 6.Students will display data in charts or graphs to analyze the outcomes of their experiments. 
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
2: Developing and Using Models,
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Author:
Jonathan Strunin
Relevant NGSS PE:
4-PS3-2,
4-PS3-4,
4-ESS3-1,
5-ESS3-1,
3-5-ETS1-1,
3-5-ETS1-2,
3-5-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
2 hours

The Problem of Plastic Trash Islands

Grades:
5-8
Unit:
Adrift in a Sea of Plastic
Lesson Number:
2
Description:

This lesson is designed for 3 days, 50-minute sessions. The students will watch videos and take 2 column notes to guide independent research. The students will examine different solutions that are already being tried and experimental solutions that have...

Energy Content:
Materials Science,
Next Generation Manufacturing
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will read and watch various informational texts and resources and take structured notes to support comprehension.Students will conduct independent research on a current eventStudents will create a google slide show or other presentation and present their findings and ideas.Students will practice speaking and listening skills.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Culturally Sustaining,
English Language Strategies,
Engineering Design,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Jonathan Strunin
Relevant NGSS PE:
5-ESS3-1,
3-5-ETS1-1,
3-5-ETS1-2,
3-5-ETS1-3,
MS-ESS3-3,
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences,
ELA: Informational Text,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing
Estimated Activity Length:
2 hours
Solar Mobile

Exploring Center of Gravity

Grades:
6-8
Unit:
Solar Mobile Design Challenge
Lesson Number:
3
Description:

Since the concept Center of Gravity (mass) is a key factor in a mobile, students will participate in some activities to help them experience and understand this principle so it can be applied to their final Solar Mobile design. This lesson starts with a...

Energy Content:
Materials Science
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will observe a discrepant event and write down questions about what they observed. Students will participate in a variety of activities using a meter stick in order to experience and learn about center of gravity.Students will find the center of gravity of an irregular shaped paper object by using a plumb line. Students will apply the concept of Center of Gravity and find the center of their solar aircraft that is to be used on their solar mobile. 
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Hands-on Materials,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Research-Secondary,
STEAM/Arts
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Author:
Kristy Schneider
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Writing
Estimated Activity Length:
2 hours
Fuel Inquiry Poster

Fuels and PV Cells

Grades:
7-8
Unit:
Chemical Differences in Emergency Energy Sources
Lesson Number:
3
Description:

Students will return to the phenomena of energy resources to support safety, health, and comfort in an emergency situation. They will distinguish between how common materials provide energy and develop an understanding of how the atomic and molecular...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Fuels,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Thermal Energy (Heat)
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students explore the conservation of mass in chemical reactions by observing and modeling combustion reactions and exploring the essential question/phenomena, “is all fire the same?” Students will use information resources and a 3D model of a PV cell to understand how solar modules generate electricity. “How do PV cells make electricity?”Students will construct circuits to explore PV modules and variables involved in powering devices. Students evaluate, revise, and justify the energy resources suggested on an emergency preparedness supply list. 
Pedagogy & Practice:
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Research-Primary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
2: Developing and Using Models,
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Author:
Melody Childers
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-PS1-5
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
0 sec
WindMaterials_DSCN2143.jpg

Wind Power: A Hands on Experience

Grades:
3-8
Unit:
Solar Updraft Towers
Lesson Number:
3
Description:

This lesson challenges students to work in teams to design successful turbine blades for the “KidWind Firefly”. The firefly has an LED light that lights up when the students have designed turbine blades that spin effectively. This lesson provides students...

Energy Content:
Electricity Generation,
Wind Energy
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will understand that wind energy can be converted into other forms of energy.Students will determine different methods to increase the effectiveness of a wind turbine blade at harnessing and converting the mechanical energy of the wind.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Author:
Lisa Morgan
Relevant NGSS PE:
4-PS3-2,
4-PS3-3,
4-PS3-4,
4-ESS3-1,
3-5-ETS1-1,
3-5-ETS1-2,
3-5-ETS1-3
Estimated Activity Length:
2 hours

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