Adrift in a Sea of Plastic Unit Plan

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

In this unit students will investigate the phenomena of plastic trash islands floating in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The students will work to solve the problem of plastic trash islands through the engineering and design process. Using 3D printers,...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Materials Science,
Next Generation Manufacturing,
Solar Photovoltaic
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
·       Students will design 3D models using Tinkercad software.·       Students will define the problem of plastic trash islands.·       Students will describe possible solutions to the problem of plastic trash islands.·       Students will research the plastic trash problem and create google slideshows the problem and how we might fix it.·       Students will investigate different ways to build structures that both float and hold weight.·       Students will build a model of a device that could collect plastic from the ocean.·       Students will test the models they build.·       Students will communicate their results from scientific inquiry to identify factors that are important to optimizing the design of the plastic collecting device.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Culturally Sustaining,
English Language Strategies,
Engineering Design,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary,
STEAM/Arts
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
2: Developing and Using Models,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence,
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:
Computer Science,
Environmental Sciences,
ELA: Informational Text,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing,
Math: Geometry,
Math: Graphing & Representation
Estimated Activity Length:
10 hours
Resource Type:
At-Home,
Curriculum,
Energy Program/Initiative (Nonprofit/Industry),
Field Trips,
Infographic,
Instructional Resource,
Organizations & Possible Partners,
Phenomena,
Video
Source:
US Army Corps of Engineers
Published:
2021
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
PreK-2,
3-5,
MS,
HS,
OST,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

The US Army Corps of Engineers has created a series of curricula from K-12 to discuss the Bonneville Dam operations, salmon lifecycle, and some of the history of the project. They also offer virtual and in-person tours of the faiclity for classes.

Location:
National,
West/Pacific NW
Energy Content:
Energy & Society,
Energy Equity and Justice,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Electricity Generation,
Hydropower,
Sources of Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS2.C: Water on Earth,
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change,
LS4.D: Biodiversity & Humans,
PS2.A: Forces & Motion,
PS2.B: Interactions Between Forces,
PS3.A: Energy Definitions,
PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer,
PS3.C: Energy & Forces
Pedagogy & Practice:
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Place-Based Learning
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences,
Social Sciences: Analysis,
Social Sciences: Geography,
Social Sciences: History

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
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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
Resource Type:
At-Home,
Curriculum,
Engineering Challenges,
Instructional Resource,
Video
Source:
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Published:
2020
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
3-5,
MS,
HS,
OST,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

An at-home engineering challenge using simple materials to design, build and test a water-powered turbine. Accessible to nearly all ages.

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electricity Generation,
Hydropower,
Sources of Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS2.C: Water on Earth,
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
PS2.A: Forces & Motion,
PS2.B: Interactions Between Forces,
PS3.A: Energy Definitions,
PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer,
PS3.C: Energy & Forces
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Project-Based Learning,
STEAM/Arts
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Measurement
Resource Type:
App,
At-Home,
Instructional Resource,
Interactive,
Phenomena,
Visualization/Simulation
Source:
Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA) at the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona
Published:
2021
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
MS,
HS,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

The EJ Atlas collects these stories of communities struggling for environmental justice from around the world. It aims to make these mobilization more visible, highlight claims and testimonies and to make the case for true corporate and state accountability for the injustices inflicted through their activities. It also attempts to serve as a virtual space for those working on EJ issues to get information, find other groups working on related issues, and increase the visibility of environmental conflicts.

It is an interactive worldwide atlas highlighting EJ issues by geography.

Location:
National,
International
Energy Content:
Energy & Society,
Energy Equity and Justice
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Community Engagement,
Justice-Centered Learning,
Empathetic Engineering,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Place-Based Learning
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences,
Social Sciences: Civics,
Social Sciences: Geography,
Social Sciences: Multicultural Studies
Resource Type:
At-Home,
Data,
Instructional Resource,
Interactive,
Visualization/Simulation
Source:
University of Chicago
Published:
2021
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
3-5,
MS,
HS,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

A really interesting interactive graphic that allows students to explore different sources and end uses of energy over the history of the United States. It clearly demonstrates how energy sources have shifted over time, as well as increasing energy consumption as the US population expanded.

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Energy & Society,
Biomass Energy,
Fuels,
Hydropower,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy,
Transportation
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change
Pedagogy & Practice:
Phenomena-Driven Instruction
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences,
Social Sciences: History
Solar Mobile

Solar Mobile Design Challenge Unit Plan

Grades:
6-8
Unit:
Solar Mobile Design Challenge
Description:

This unit involves students learning about transferring solar energy to small motors, exploring the center of gravity and testing light sources (including the sun). The culminating engineering design project gives students the chance to pull...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electricity and Magnetism,
Energy Efficiency,
Materials Science,
Solar Photovoltaic
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will design circuits using various solar panels in order to power motors with propellers. Students will learn about solar energy transfer in order to power the motors on their solar aircraft.Students will research an aircraft and draw an outline of the aircraft onto foam board. Students will explore the concept of center of gravity. Students will test the efficiency of various light sources (incandescent, fluorescent, LED, halogen) for usage by a PV cell.Students will use their prior testing results and knowledge to engineer a solar-powered mobile. Students will work to transfer the most energy from the solar panels considering all the tested variables in order to power the fastest, most efficient mobile.Students will demonstrate and explain why their solar mobile should be chosen for the solar mobile display in the children’s museum. 
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Project-Based 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:
Kristy Schneider
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ETS1-3,
MS-ETS1-4,
MS-PS2-2,
MS-PS3-5
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Informational Text,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
0 sec
Resource Type:
Pedagogy,
Phenomena,
Podcast
Source:
NGS Navigators Podcast
Published:
2019
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
PreK-2,
3-5,
MS,
HS,
OST,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

NGSNavigators podcast featuring Dr. Daniel Morales-Doyle, who discusses powerful impact of a justice-centered science pedagogy, which is one of the core pedagogies that informs CE's approach. He gives examples of what this looks like throughout different grade bands. He specifically shares a high school chemistry unit he taught in Chicago. In the show notes, find his research and similar articles of the impact of justice centered science pedagogy.

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Energy & Society,
Energy Equity and Justice
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Community Engagement,
Justice-Centered Learning,
Culturally Sustaining,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Place-Based Learning,
Project-Based Learning
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences,
Social Sciences: Analysis,
Social Sciences: Civics,
Social Sciences: Economics,
Social Sciences: Geography,
Social Sciences: History,
Social Sciences: Multicultural Studies
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:
At-Home,
Data,
Energy Program/Initiative (Nonprofit/Industry),
Instructional Resource,
Interactive,
Visualization/Simulation
Source:
The Nature Conservancy
Published:
2020
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
MS,
HS,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

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.

Location:
National,
West/Pacific NW,
Rockies,
Plains,
Midwest,
South,
Southwest
Energy Content:
Energy & Society,
Sources of Energy,
Wind Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
LS4.D: Biodiversity & Humans
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Engineering Design,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Place-Based Learning,
Project-Based Learning
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences

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