Oceanic Research Group
Heat Transfer and Cooling
Astronauts train underwater to simulate the change in gravity. An out-of-this-world unit includes three hands-on activities, one teacher demonstration, and a discussion related to some of the challenges astronauts face. Scholars apply...
Curated OER
Solar Heat: Building and Testing a Solar Oven
Building a solar oven is always an enriching and engaging activity when your class is studying forms of energy or alternative and renewable energy sources. This lesson plan refers you to the re-energy.ca home website for specific...
Curated OER
The Photoelectric Effect in Photocells
Illuminate your physics class with this examination of a photovoltaic cell. Teach the structure and operation of the device using a diagram. Then make a human-powered, larger-than-life sized model of a PV cell. Learners become electrons...
Curated OER
The Absorption of Solar Energy
Two sequential parts to this lesson introduce your class to the electromagnetic spectrum, the ability to absorb radiant energy, and the pigments in leaves that are responsible for collecting sunlight to be used in the photosynthetic...
Bonneville
Bioreactor Water Circulation System
Make those microbes warm up water. Pupils first investigate water pumps, then design a water circulation system that uses solar energy. A bioreactor in the system takes energy from compost and helps heat water.
PBS
Insolation on Earth
In 2017, the world increased the capacity for using solar energy by a whopping 32 percent. Is solar energy the future for the planet? Approach this topic from the idea of how much solar energy reaches the surface of Earth. Individuals...
NASA
Here Comes the Light!
Look beyond the light! An engaging activity introduces young scholars to the application of a spectroscope. The instructional activity is the fifth in a series of six and focuses on the analysis of the elements of the sun.
American Chemical Society
Exploring Energy
When asked to list everyday objects that require energy, most people list technology that use batteries or electricity. Through hands-on exploration, young scientists discover energy is much more than just circuitry. They play with...
National Energy Education Development Project
Introduction to Solar Energy
People have been using solar energy for many generations to dry crops, heat homes, and for light. This presentation explains how now it is possible to capture the solar energy and store it for future use, details how and where people use...
Teach Engineering
Flame Test: Red, Green, Blue, Violet?
Let the true colors shine through. Pupils conduct a flame test to identify an unknown element. Class members calculate and prepare specific molarity solutions of three chemicals. Using their observations of the colors emitted, they...
Teach Engineering
Energy Forms and States Demonstrations
Does a tennis ball have energy? What about a bowling ball? Demonstrate concepts of different forms of energy forms and states with a variety of objects. Using the equations for potential and kinetic energy, learners determine the amount...
US Department of Energy
Solar Cooking
Who needs a barbecue grill to cook hot dogs when you have the amazing power of the sun at your disposal? Engage young scientists in learning about solar energy with this fun activity that turns a used Pringles can into a solar powered...
Green Learning
Build Your Own Solar Oven
This is not exactly a lesson plan, but rather a six-page document detailing how to build a solar oven. A bit of background information, materials list, diagrams and photos, and clearly-written procedures are all included. There are no...
Curated OER
Urban Heat Islands: An Introduction to Energy Transfer and Transformation
Elementary school physical scientists explore kinetic mechanical energy by dropping a golf ball on different surfaces. They discuss how human made materials might react to light differently from nature made materials. This lesson plan...
Curated OER
Albedo and Irradiation of Surfaces
Here is a physical science activity where pupils place thermometers inside of a white and a black paper pocket and place them under a lamp. They record and compare the temperature increase over a ten-minute period. Have your class...
Curated OER
Project Energy
Students explore multiple types of energy. In this energy instructional activity, students prepare a science fair project through completing a WebQuest. Students investigate radiant, thermal, and biochemical energy.
Curated OER
The Effects of Light and Temperature on the Growth and Development of Plants
Students investigate the effects of light and temperature on plant growth and development. For this plant growth lesson plan, students use radish plants and cover them with different shades of green and red transparencies and observe...
Curated OER
Flow of Energy Through An Ecosystem
In this flow of energy in an ecosystem, students complete a graphic organizer and show the flow of energy from the sun to producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, tertiary consumers and then decomposers. Students define each of...
Curated OER
Light - Plant Science Chapter #8
A brief presentation provides notes on light for agriculture pupils. Topics covered are light quality and duration, how resulting temperatures affect crop selection, vernilization, and bolting. Even though this is titled "Light," it...
Curated OER
The Invisible Energy in Light
Students investigate radiant energy. For this earth science lesson, students use solar beads and clear sunscreen to observe radiant solar energy. Students note observations.
Curated OER
Solar Collectors
Students explore solar collection. In this solar energy instructional activity, students use two circles of white and black construction paper at the bottom of containers of water to investigate solar collection. Students record the...
Curated OER
Solar S'Mores
Students investigate solar energy. In this solar energy lesson, students compare how heat is absorbed in light-colored objects and dark-colored objects by making S'mores.
Curated OER
Solar S'Mores
Students see that solar energy is the energy given off by the sun. They explain that when light energy is absorbed by objects it is changed to heat energy and that dark-colored objects absorb more light and store more heat from sunlight.
Curated OER
Mechanical, Electrical and Radiant Energy
Students write a hypothesis and complete a lab. In this investigative lesson students complete their lab and a worksheet about energy.