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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

How Solar Cells Work: Converting Sunlight to Electricity

For Teachers 8th - 12th
Students examine how to convert sunlight to electricity.  In this renewable energy sources lesson students explain how solar cells are used and use a voltmeter to measure the energy produced by a solar panel.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

What is an Ecological Footprint?

For Teachers 4th - 8th
Introduce youngsters to the term ecological footprint. Learners identify ways in which humans affect the environment. They look at the problems associated with the use of natural resources, and focus on ways to preserve natural...
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Lesson Plan
Consumers Energy

The Cost of Electricity

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
How much is your toaster costing you every day? Young environmentalists calculate the monetary costs of household appliances based on their average consumption of wattage.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Chocolate Chip Cookie Mining

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students explore nonrenewable energy resources. In this coal lesson, students investigate how coal is formed and how it is used as a source of energy. Students mine for "coal" using toothpicks and chocolate chip cookies.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Energy for You

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Students investigate the energy sources used in student's communities. They explore where the energy comes from, how it is transported, and the uses to which it is put. They review the meanings of vocabulary renewable and newable resources.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Waves : An Alternative Energy Source

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students evaluate the feasibility of wave energy as an alternative source of energy.  In this alternative energy source lesson students are introduced to renewable and nonrenewable energy and study energy production.
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Lesson Plan
National Wildlife Federation

Meet the Extractors, Harvesters, and Harnessers: Methods, Technology, Benefits and Consequences in Acquiring Natural Resources

For Teachers 5th - 8th Standards
There are advantages and disadvantages to all sources of energy; the trick is determining which one has the least impact! Part six in the series of 12 has learners further explore energy resources. After reading information about one of...
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Worksheet
Curated OER

20 Questions Energy Sources Scavenger Hunt for Energy Kids

For Students 5th - 6th
In these scavenger hunt worksheets, students go to the 'Energy Facts' section of the Energy Information Administration Kids' Page web site. Students read through the different energy forms for renewable and nonrenewable energy. Students...
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Worksheet
Curated OER

"Blow, Wind, Blow" - Wind Power

For Students 5th - 8th
In this renewable energy worksheet, students learn about wind power. They then answer the 2 questions on the worksheet. The answers are on the last page of the packet.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Biomass: The Energy of the Future

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders examine information about a variety of renewable fuels. They read key vocabulary terms, read and discuss a story handout, and conduct research on renewable fuels. Students then complete a comparison chart, and write an...
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PPT
Curated OER

The Happy Game: Natural Resources

For Teachers 1st - 2nd
Can't get enough of the Happy Game? Here it is again, this time students help Happy get a healthy lunch by answering questions related to the environment and natural resources. This is a great game to play prior to a lesson, to get an...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Exploring Alternative Energy Sources

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students research the amount and kinds of energy that are produced and consumed in the United States, including the limitations of this kind of consumption. They research and create a display to teach classmates about a specific...
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Lesson Plan
National Wildlife Federation

Fossil Fuel Extraction Activity

For Teachers 6th - 12th Standards
Extracting oil is more difficult than many think! Learners work together and get hands-on as they represent oil companies drilling for oil by simulating oil extraction using beans. They identify the challenges faced in using...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Searching for Tomorrow's Energy

For Teachers 5th
Fifth graders investigate energy. In this biology lesson plan, 5th graders will learn about energy, fossil fuels, and renewable and nonrenewable resources. Students will be participating in three lab activities which are described in...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Not Just a Corny Idea

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Students explore ways in which ethanol can be created using alternate energy sources.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Comparing Different Energy Resources

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students examine the advantages and disadvantages of the different sources of energy.  In this energy lesson students complete an experiment and worksheet.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Energy Source Puzzles

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students identify renewable and nonrenewable resources. In this energy source instructional activity, students participate in a game to identify the various types of resources. There are various extensions to this instructional activity,...
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PPT
National Energy Education Development Project

Exploring Nuclear Energy

For Students 9th - 12th Standards
Every 18–24 months, nuclear power plants shut down to remove their used uranium fuel, a radioactive waste. Show learners how energy is made and used around the world and then focus on the United States' usage. Viewers then specifically...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Energy of the Future

For Teachers 6th - 8th
Learners examine technologies that already exist and record their findings in a journal. They work with students in other countries to explore alternative energy sources They publish their designs online.
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Unit Plan
Cal Recycle

Conserving Natural Resources

For Teachers K - 3rd Standards
Trying to plan an engaging elementary science unit on natural resources? Conserve your energy! This five-part series of lessons and hands-on activities has exactly what you need to teach young scholars about the importance of conservation.
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Interactive
Curated OER

Renewable or Non-Renewable Quiz

For Students 6th - 12th
In this renewable or non-renewable quiz instructional activity, students complete an on-line quiz, clicking on questions and matching answers, scoring 1 point for each correct answer. A printed version is available.
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Worksheet
Curated OER

Mission 6: Renewable Energy

For Students 5th - 6th
In these renewable energy worksheets, students learn about renewable energy and energy sources. Students complete a 23 page packet for the activity.
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Energy is Everywhere

For Teachers 2nd - 5th
Students differentiate between renewable and non-renewable resources and identify the different forms of energy and list the advantages or disadvantages of different forms of energy. They also determine the benefits as well as the...
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Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Energy Adventure Scavenger Hunt

For Teachers 5th - 6th
Students complete a scavenger hunt. In this energy lesson, students use various Internet websites to explore forms of energy, non-renewable sources, renewable sources, electricity, uses of energy and energy efficiency.