Resource Type:
At-Home,
Engineering Challenges,
Pedagogy,
Phenomena
Source:
Legacy Power
Published:
2021
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
PreK-2,
3-5,
MS,
HS,
OST
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

This Legacy Power web resource is filled with background content to help facilitate solar cooking activities. Linking the sicence of solar cooking to hands-on activities and even recipes for using solar cookers, this is a particularly useful tool for giving educators ideas and starting points for their own engineering design challenges around this topic.

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Energy Fundamentals,
Light (Visible),
Potential & Kinetic Energy,
Solar Thermal,
Thermal Energy (Heat)
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS1.B: Solar System,
ESS2.A: Earth Materials & Systems,
ESS3.D: Climate Change,
PS3.A: Energy Definitions,
PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer,
PS4.B: Electromagnetic Radiation
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Project-Based Learning
Resource Type:
Instructional Resource,
Pedagogy
Source:
US Department of Energy
Published:
2017
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
PreK-2,
3-5,
MS,
HS,
OST,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
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:
National
Energy Content:
Advanced Energy Careers,
Batteries & Storage,
Energy & Society,
Energy Equity and Justice,
Renewable Natural Gas,
Biomass Energy,
Circuitry,
Demand Response,
Electrical Energy,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electricity Generation,
Electronics,
Electrons,
Energy Efficiency,
Energy Fundamentals,
Fuels,
Geothermal Energy,
Hydrogen,
Hydropower,
Light (Visible),
Materials Science,
Microgrids,
Next Generation Manufacturing,
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion,
Potential & Kinetic Energy,
Smart Grid,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Solar Thermal,
Sound,
Sources of Energy,
Thermal Energy (Heat),
Tidal Energy,
Transportation,
Wave Energy,
Wind Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS1.B: Solar System,
ESS1.C: Earth History,
ESS2.A: Earth Materials & Systems,
ESS2.C: Water on Earth,
ESS2.D: Weather & Climate,
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change,
LS2.B: Matter & Energy Cycles,
LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics,
LS4.D: Biodiversity & Humans,
PS1.A: Matter: Structure & Properties,
PS1.B: Chemical Reactions,
PS1.C: Nuclear Processes,
PS2.A: Forces & Motion,
PS2.B: Interactions Between Forces,
PS3.A: Energy Definitions,
PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer,
PS3.C: Energy & Forces,
PS3.D: Energy in Chemical Processes,
PS4.A: Wave Properties,
PS4.B: Electromagnetic Radiation,
PS4.C: Information Technologies
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Early Childhood Learning,
Establishing a Culture of Science
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences,
Social Sciences: Analysis,
Social Sciences: Civics,
Social Sciences: Economics,
Social Sciences: Geography,
Social Sciences: History
Resource Type:
Curriculum,
Instructional Resource,
Pedagogy
Source:
Allegheny Intermediate Unit
Published:
2020
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
PreK-2,
3-5
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

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.

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Energy Fundamentals,
Light (Visible),
Solar Thermal,
Sound,
Thermal Energy (Heat)
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS1.B: Solar System,
ESS1.C: Earth History,
ESS2.A: Earth Materials & Systems,
ESS2.C: Water on Earth,
ESS2.D: Weather & Climate,
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change,
LS2.B: Matter & Energy Cycles,
LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics,
LS4.D: Biodiversity & Humans,
PS1.A: Matter: Structure & Properties,
PS1.B: Chemical Reactions,
PS1.C: Nuclear Processes,
PS2.A: Forces & Motion,
PS2.B: Interactions Between Forces,
PS3.A: Energy Definitions,
PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer
Pedagogy & Practice:
Empathetic Engineering,
Early Childhood Learning,
English Language Strategies,
Engineering Design,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles,
STEAM/Arts
Resource Type:
Grants/Funding,
Mentorships,
Teacher Externship
Source:
Murdock Charitable Trust
Published:
2020
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
HS,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

This unique program pairs high school science teachers with a mentor doing cutting-edge research in an academic lab or a lab associated with another nonprofit institution. The Murdock Trust awards approximately 25 Partners in Science grants each year to fund these teacher-mentor research opportunities in the Pacific Northwest. Our goal is to help teachers bring knowledge from the research lab directly into the classroom to promote hands-on science education. 

Location:
West/Pacific NW
Energy Content:
Advanced Energy Careers,
Batteries & Storage,
Energy & Society,
Energy Equity and Justice,
Renewable Natural Gas,
Biomass Energy,
Circuitry,
Electricity Generation,
Electronics,
Energy Efficiency,
Fuels,
Geothermal Energy,
Hydrogen,
Hydropower,
Light (Visible),
Materials Science,
Next Generation Manufacturing,
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion,
Smart Grid,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Solar Thermal,
Sound,
Sources of Energy,
Thermal Energy (Heat),
Tidal Energy,
Transportation,
Wave Energy,
Wind Energy
Pedagogy & Practice:
Career-Connected Learning,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Hands-on Materials,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Place-Based Learning,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Primary
Other Subjects Covered:
CTE: Career & Technical Education
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:
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
Resource Type:
Energy Program/Initiative (Nonprofit/Industry),
Instructional Resource,
Video,
Data,
Interactive,
Visualization/Simulation,
At-Home
Source:
Student Energy
Published:
2020
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
3-5,
MS,
HS,
OST,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

An amazing resource focused on providing students with a wealth of resources-videos, articles, and other reosurces-focused on a huge variety of applied energy topics. This is an amazing go-to resource for startingto explore enegry, or going deeper into applied energy issues.  It is also an opportunity to engage students more deeply in energy advocacy.  

Location:
National,
International
Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Energy & Society,
Energy Equity and Justice,
Renewable Natural Gas,
Biomass Energy,
Demand Response,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Electricity Generation,
Energy Efficiency,
Energy Fundamentals,
Fuels,
Geothermal Energy,
Hydrogen,
Hydropower,
Microgrids,
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.C: Water on Earth,
ESS2.D: Weather & Climate,
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change,
LS4.D: Biodiversity & Humans,
PS4.C: Information Technologies
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Career-Connected Learning
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences,
CTE: Career & Technical Education,
Social Sciences: Civics,
Social Sciences: Economics,
Social Sciences: Geography

Keeping it Cool With Solar Unit Plan

Grades:
K-2
Unit:
Keeping it Cool With Solar
Description:

Keeping It Cool With Solar unit asks the question: “How might we design a structure that will keep us cool on a hot day?” As an anchoring phenomenon, students will be shown a time-lapse video of an ice cube melting, and a second phenomenon of a solar...

Energy Content:
Energy Efficiency,
Energy Fundamentals,
Light (Visible),
Solar Thermal
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will make observations to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface. Students will plan and conduct investigations to determine whether structures made with various materials will keep objects cool when placed in a beam of light. Students will analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem in order to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs. Students will analyze data obtained from testing different materials to determine which materials have the properties that are best suited for keeping an object cool. Students will test if solar panels and solar energy can help cool down their structure.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Early Childhood Learning,
Engineering Design,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Hands-on Materials,
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,
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:
Mark Lewin
Relevant NGSS PE:
K-PS3-1
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Speaking & Listening
Estimated Activity Length:
4 hours
SODIS_UV Treament

Solar and SODIS: Creating Clean Water for the World

Grades:
5-8
Description:

According to Nobel Laureate Richard Smalley, the number one and two challenges for humanity are energy and clean water. This classroom activity will introduce students to a low cost, renewable technique that connects these two issues. During the activity,...

Energy Content:
Light (Visible),
Solar Thermal
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will be introduced to the range of microbes in the environment, understand the risks of “dirty water” and be able to explain how energy from the sun can purify water through the SODIS technique.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Place-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Author:
Jamie Repasky
Relevant NGSS PE:
5-PS1-1,
5-ESS3-1,
3-5-ETS1-1,
3-5-ETS1-2,
3-5-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Ratios & Proportions
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour

Pages