science-of-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.
Solar Technology Basics
Source: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
This is a good introduction to solar technology, including written text and a 2-minute video.
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.
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.
Solar Switch Challenge
Source: Solar Empowered Schools
Through this hands-on activity, students apply principles of electricity and solar technology to design, build, and test on/off and dimmer switches. The introduction is intentionally low-instruction to encourage a student-led engineering design process, and multiple challenge levels ensure that all students can be successful. Equipment required; materials list included.
Hands-On Solar Projects: Solar Schoolhouse
Source: Solar Schoolhouse
Doing is believing. Solar Schoolhouse offers hands-on, student-centered activities that demonstrate how solar energy can be harnessed and used. Ideal for elementary and middle school, projects include solar ovens (thermal), solar whirligigs (photovoltaic), and DIY solar panels (photovoltaic). All materials are available for purchase as classroom kits at the School Store tab.
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).
Energy Transformations Lesson and Solar Circuit Challenge
Source: Solar Empowered Schools
In the first part of this lesson, students will explore different forms of energy and discuss how energy can be transformed. In the second part, they will apply their understanding as they build their own circuits using solar panels, motors, lights, and switches. Ideal for 5th grade, but applicable for grades 4-12. Equipment required; materials list included.
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.
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.
