renewable-energy /
NASA Climate Kids
Source: NASA
Climate change is closely connected to renewable energy. NASA Climate Kids is a great resource for teaching about the big-picture of climate change and the factors that contribute to it. Search their lesson library at https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/edu/teach/ for “Make Sun S’mores” and “Calculating Solar Power in Space” for two great lessons that dig into the details of solar energy.
REcharge Academy: Intensive Renewable Energy Training for Educators
Source: KidWind
If you are a middle or high school teacher looking to launch a renewable energy project or course, this academy will set you up for success. The REcharge Academy is a week-long, in-person educator training workshop about renewable energy. Scholarships for teachers for enrollment and travel are available; contact us to see if you are eligible.
Renewable Energy Jobs Card Game
Source: Mystic Aquarium & National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
In this game, played similarly to “Go Fish,”students explore different types of renewable energy – including solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass – and survey roles of real people who work in those industries. Renewable energy is one of the fastest-growing job sectors, and that trend is only expected to increase in the coming years with the U.S. goal of achieving a net-zero emissions economy by 2050.
Fastest Growing Occupations: Occupational Outlook Handbook
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Renewable energy jobs – such as Wind Turbine Service Technician and Solar Photovoltaic Installer – are some of the fastest-growing occupations in the country. Using this Occupational Handbook, students can explore the pay scales, responsibilities, and training requirements of a wide variety of renewable energy careers.
Solar and Wind Competition
Source: KidWind
Each year KidWind runs statewide Solar and Wind challenges for grades 4-12. Students and teachers alike rave about this rich experience. Equipment and entry are free for participating clubs. No teacher expertise is necessary, as KidWind holds office hours for students and provides technical support for teachers.
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals & Lessons
Source: United Nations
Solar topics integrate beautifully with broader sustainability themes, such as the 7th U.N. Sustainability goal, "Affordable and Clean Energy". Visit this site for a wide range of captivating sustainability-related educational resources, including links to lessons about renewable energy through "The World's Largest Lesson."
Candy Collector: Renewable vs. Non-Renewable Activity
Source: National Energy Education Development (NEED)
In this fun, hands-on activity featuring CANDY(!) students choose between renewable and non-renewable energy sources to power their town. Common materials such as straws (extractors), M&Ms (non-renewable energy sources), and jellybeans (renewable energy sources) are used for the simulation. Teacher Tip: Search YouTube for "Candy Collector - Exploring Renewable & Nonrenewable" for a video demonstration of this lesson.
Women in Energy Careers Picture Book
Source: Authors Erin Twamley and Joshua Sneideman
This illustrated book spotlights diverse women working in STEM.
National Energy Education Development (NEED) Solar Curriculum
Source: National Energy Education Development (NEED)
NEED specializes in K-12 renewable energy curriculum and teacher professional development. Their site includes a huge library of standards-aligned lesson plans (free) and hands-on experiment kits (for purchase).
Intro to Renewable Energy - Free Online Course
Source: Solar Energy International (SEI)
This free self-paced online course covers the basics of electricity, conservation and efficiency, and renewable energy technologies. This course is perfect for teachers seeking professional development or motivated high school students.
Careers in Renewable Energy Video
Source: Advanced Technology Environmental Education Center (ATEEC)
This 4-minute video introduces the wide span of jobs in the renewable energy industry, including some less commonly featured technologies like wave energy.
Classroom Kit Lending Library for Renewable Energy Experiments
Source: Center for the Advancement of Sustainable Energy (CASE)
Virginia teachers can check out classroom sets of hands-on learning kits for free! The library includes experiment kits for solar and wind, NEED experiments, and energy-related books.
Escape Room - Energy for Your World...And Beyond!
Source: Solar Empowered Schools
Energize your classroom with this fun escape-room activity! Teams of students will work together to unlock energy solutions for a newly discovered planet whose climate is similar to Earth's. Excellent as an introduction to -- or summary of -- energy and environmental impact, this one-hour lesson touches on themes of renewable energy, greenhouse gasses, and carbon dioxide emissions while encouraging problem-solving and collaboration.
Energy Career Activities and Lessons
Source: National Energy Education Development (NEED)
The Energy Careers Excursion curriculum pack includes activities suitable for all ages. With activities like "Energy Industry Guess Who?" and "Soft Skills Soirée", students assess which types of energy jobs match their interests and skills.
Switch: Free Energy Documentaries and Curriculum Modules
Source: Switch Energy Alliance
Switch is an award-winning documentary that explores all types of energy, from coal to solar, and examines our energy decisions. In addition to the free full-length film, Switch Classroom offers six free curriculum modules. The content is non-partisan and the modules are self-paced and asynchronous - ideal for a flipped classroom style or a substitute plan.
Clean Energy Jobs and Planning
Source: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
Resources for clean energy careers, such as career maps for many types of renewable energy (solar, wind, bioenergy, fuel cells, and more) are available on this website.
