Resource Type:
App,
Data,
Instructional Resource
Source:
Hukseflux Thermal Sensors
Published:
2020
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
MS,
HS,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

A free iPhone app that allows you to take data on irradiance (in Watts/area), to be able to compare electrical output from solar photovoltaic panels to the irradiance they receive. 

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Solar Photovoltaic
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS2.D: Weather & Climate,
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Field Work,
Hands-on Materials,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Place-Based Learning,
Research-Primary
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences,
CTE: Career & Technical Education,
Math: Measurement
Resource Type:
Energy Program/Initiative (Nonprofit/Industry),
Field Trips,
Instructional Resource,
Interactive,
Organizations & Possible Partners,
Phenomena,
Visualization/Simulation
Source:
Renewable Northwest
Published:
2020
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
3-5,
MS,
HS,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

An interactive map-based listing of major operating, proposed, approved, or other renewable energy projects in the Pacific Northwest US, including owners and generating capacity.

Location:
West/Pacific NW
Energy Content:
Electrical Energy,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Electricity Generation,
Geothermal Energy,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy,
Tidal Energy,
Wave Energy,
Wind Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change
Pedagogy & Practice:
Place-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences
Solar Tracker

Simple Solar Tracker

Grades:
4-12
Description:

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...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Solar Photovoltaic
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students observe and replicate a simple solar tracker. Students will learn basic electric circuits and terminology. Students will reflect on possible improvements for solar tracker. Students will reflect on how the engineering design process is used daily.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Author:
Pat Blount
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-PS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Writing
Estimated Activity Length:
2 hours
Hot Pack

Unit Plan - Chemical Differences in Emergency Energy Sources

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

Students develop atomic and molecular models of energy resources, analyze combustion of various fuels and build circuits with Photovolatic (PV) modules to evaluate and suggest revisions to a disaster preparedness supply list. They then research and...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Electrons,
Fuels,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy,
Thermal Energy (Heat)
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
To build empathy for people in emergency situations and an understanding of how access to energy resources can increase one’s safety, health, and comfort. To understand the nature of a variety of energy needs and how different applications have different optimal solutions. To develop models to explain the molecular and extended structures of energy resources, including how the resources change when energy is generated (Electron movement in PV cells, combustion reactions in fuel). To understand that the properties of substances depends upon the atomic / molecular structure, which changes with chemical reactions. To build a circuit that includes a solar module and measure the voltage and current. To gather and evaluate information to describe the impact on society of converting natural resources into PV cells. To design, build and test a device that uses a chemical reaction to generate or absorb thermal energy. Evaluate and revise a plan for the energy resources one should store to prepare for a natural disaster. 
Pedagogy & Practice:
Empathetic Engineering,
English Language Strategies,
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary,
Social-Emotional Learning,
STEAM/Arts
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,
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:
Melody Childers
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-ETS1-3,
MS-ETS1-4,
MS-PS1-1,
MS-PS1-2,
MS-PS1-3,
MS-PS1-4,
MS-PS1-5,
MS-PS1-6
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Reading: Scientific & Technical,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing,
Math: Algebra,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Social Sciences: Multicultural Studies
Estimated Activity Length:
0 sec
Resource Type:
Data,
Instructional Resource,
Interactive,
Report
Source:
International Energy Agency
Published:
2020
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
MS,
HS,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

Explore historical data and forecasts for all renewables sectors and technologies. Renewables 2020 includes a dynamic data dashboard which enables users to explore historical data and forecasts for all sectors and technologies. The associated Renewables 2020 dataset gives full access to all of the data available in this dashboard, plus additional premium data for all sectors and technologies, including additional historical years.

Location:
National,
International
Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Energy & Society,
Renewable Natural Gas,
Biomass Energy,
Electrical Energy,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Electricity Generation,
Fuels,
Geothermal Energy,
Hydrogen,
Hydropower,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Solar Thermal,
Sources of Energy,
Tidal Energy,
Wave Energy,
Wind Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change
Pedagogy & Practice:
Research-Secondary
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences
Resource Type:
Data,
Infographic,
Report
Source:
Oregon Department of Energy
Published:
2020
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
3-5,
MS,
HS,
OST
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

Energy by the Numbers focuses on the metrics and data available to track how Oregon produces, purchases, and uses various types of energy. Includes many pages of graphics that highlight oregon's energy usage and production by source and by producer/utility type/sector, location of energy facilities, energy costs, and information on electric vehicles in Oregon.

Location:
West/Pacific NW
Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Energy & Society,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Energy Efficiency,
Fuels,
Hydropower,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy,
Wind Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change
Pedagogy & Practice:
Place-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary,
Research-Primary
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences,
Social Sciences: Economics
Resource Type:
Energy Program/Initiative (Nonprofit/Industry),
Organizations & Possible Partners
Source:
Montana Renewable Energy Association
Published:
2020
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
PreK-2,
3-5,
MS,
HS,
OST,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

The Montana Renewable Energy Association is a membership based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2000. We are businesses, individuals, families, and advocates dedicated to expanding Montana’s use of renewable energy in order to conserve natural resources, create jobs, and increase the independence and resilience of our communities. 

Our mission is to expand the use of renewable energy in Montana, to affect public policy in favor of renewable energy, and to educate and inform the residents of Montana of the benefits and uses of renewable energy. Our focus is on-site and community-scale renewable energy such as solar electricity, solar hot water, and small wind generation.

Location:
West/Pacific NW,
Rockies
Energy Content:
Energy & Society,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Solar Thermal,
Wind Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS3.C: Human Impact
Pedagogy & Practice:
Community Engagement,
Family Engagement
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences
Resource Type:
Apprenticeships,
Curriculum,
Energy Program/Initiative (Nonprofit/Industry),
Engineering Challenges,
Field Trips,
Grants/Funding,
Instructional Resource,
Organizations & Possible Partners,
Scholarships
Source:
Department of Energy
Published:
2020
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
PreK-2,
3-5,
MS,
HS,
OST,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

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

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Advanced Energy Careers,
Batteries & Storage,
Energy & Society,
Energy Equity and Justice,
Renewable Natural Gas,
Biomass Energy,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Electricity Generation,
Energy Efficiency,
Energy Fundamentals,
Fuels,
Geothermal Energy,
Hydrogen,
Hydropower,
Smart Grid,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Solar Thermal,
Sources of Energy,
Tidal Energy,
Transportation,
Wave Energy,
Wind Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS2.A: Earth Materials & Systems,
ESS2.D: Weather & Climate,
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change,
PS3.A: Energy Definitions,
PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer
Pedagogy & Practice:
Career-Connected Learning,
Engineering Design,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Place-Based Learning,
Project-Based Learning
Other Subjects Covered:
Computer Science,
Environmental Sciences,
CTE: Career & Technical Education
Sphero SPRK+

Solar SPRK+ Unit Overview

Grades:
6-8
Unit:
Solar SPRK+
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...

Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electronics,
Solar Photovoltaic
+
-
More Details Less Details
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.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
2: Developing and Using Models,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Deb Frankel
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Computer Science,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Vocabulary Development
Estimated Activity Length:
10 hours
Resource Type:
Energy Program/Initiative (Nonprofit/Industry),
Instructional Resource,
Curriculum,
Engineering Challenges
Source:
KidWind
Published:
2020
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
3-5,
MS,
HS,
OST
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

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.

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity Generation,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy,
Wind Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change,
PS2.A: Forces & Motion,
PS2.B: Interactions Between Forces,
PS3.A: Energy Definitions,
PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer,
PS3.C: Energy & Forces
Pedagogy & Practice:
Community Engagement,
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Project-Based Learning
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Geometry,
Math: Measurement,
Math: Ratios & Proportions

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