Resource Type:
Instructional Resource,
Curriculum
Source:
Seattle Public Schools, Tilth Alliance, University of Washington, Northwestern University, National Science Foundations
Published:
2018
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
PreK-2,
3-5,
MS,
HS,
OST
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

A great learning framework for place- and field-based seasonal exploration, which is an essential aspect of understanding local resources and seasonality that affects energy generation sources and usage. Includes curricular materials in English and Spanish, and materials and family materials and activities as well. 

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Energy & Society
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS2.A: Earth Materials & Systems,
ESS2.C: Water on Earth,
ESS2.D: Weather & Climate,
ESS3.A: Natural Resources
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Engineering Design,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Field Work,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Place-Based Learning,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Primary
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing,
Social Sciences: Geography
Resource Type:
Article,
Instructional Resource,
Research,
Phenomena,
Interactive
Source:
Carbon Brief
Published:
2017
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
HS,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

Interactive Map featuring sources of energy and consumption. Great tool for engaging students in understanding where their energy comes from locally and from what sources.

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Electricity Generation,
Fuels,
Hydropower,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy,
Wind Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS2.A: Earth Materials & Systems,
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change
Pedagogy & Practice:
Place-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary
Other Subjects Covered:
Social Sciences: Geography
Earth Sun

School Energy Hunt

Grades:
3-4
Unit:
Cooking with the Sun and Solar Ovens
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

The purpose of this lesson is to help students understand that everything that is powered by energy comes from a source from nature. This is meant to be an introductory lesson on identifying sources of energy

Energy Content:
Sources of Energy
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
At the end of this lesson students will be able to list equipment in the school that is powered by energy. They will also be able to identify the various types of energy that power the equipment.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Place-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Author:
Lisa Morgan
Relevant NGSS PE:
4-PS3-2,
4-ESS3-1
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Informational Text,
ELA: Vocabulary Development
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour

Part 1 - Lesson 1: Why Use Renewable Energy?

Grades:
6-12
Unit:
A Community Powered by Renewable Energy
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

The purpose of this lesson is for students to obtain base knowledge of how renewable and non-renewable energy is generated and identify differences between renewable resources and fossil fuels. Students will research the potential long-term and short-term...

Energy Content:
Electricity Generation,
Energy Fundamentals,
Fuels,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy,
Wind Energy
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1.Students will define and explain the differences between renewable and non-renewable energy sources.2.Students will research, summarize, and present the (short- and long-term) benefits and drawbacks of utilizing wind and solar energy.  3.Students will research, summarize, and present the (short- and long-term) benefits and drawbacks of utilizing fossil fuels.4.Students will generate questions about the greenhouse gas effect, identify and isolate variables, and then conduct an experiment to answer a class generated question about the greenhouse gas effect.5.Through Socratic seminar, students will use the knowledge gained over the course of this lesson to discuss the potential long- and short-term benefits and drawbacks of using fossil fuels, solar energy, and wind energy.
Pedagogy & Practice:
English Language Strategies,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Place-Based Learning,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary,
Research-Primary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Jonathan Strunin
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ESS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Reading: Scientific & Technical,
Math: Graphing & Representation
Estimated Activity Length:
8 hours

Cost Effective Solar Cells: Unique Solar Cell Engineering Report

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
Cost Effective Solar Cells
Lesson Number:
14
Description:

This lesson is designed to be completed in three 80-minute sections. The teacher will have students write their engineering reports with the following sections: Introduction (taken from Lesson #10), Design (incorporating the model from Lesson #10),...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electricity Generation,
Electronics,
Electrons,
Energy Fundamentals,
Materials Science,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will format solar cell data into tables and graphsStudents will draw conclusions based on testing dataStudents will construct an engineering report in a research poster format
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Place-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Tom Wolverton
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-PS1-2,
HS-PS2-6,
HS-PS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences,
ELA: Reading: Scientific & Technical
Estimated Activity Length:
4 hours

Part 1- Lesson 3: Home Energy Audit

Grades:
6-12
Unit:
A Community Powered by Renewable Energy
Lesson Number:
3
Description:

During this lesson, students will focus on where energy is used within their homes, how energy consumption is calculated, and how energy consumption can be reduced. Students will conduct a home energy audit and determine multiple ways to reduce energy...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Demand Response,
Electrical Energy,
Electronics,
Electrons,
Energy Efficiency,
Smart Grid
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1.Students will identify all ways that energy is consumed within their homes.2.Students will perform an energy audit of their home and calculate the amount of energy used by each electronic device and appliances.3.Students will create a spreadsheet demonstrating the electricity required to operate each electronic device and appliance, along with a summary of finding that clearly identifies how energy consumption can be reduced within their home.4.Students will explore various ways to reduce energy (goal is 30% reduction).5.Students will propose a variety of energy reduction plans and present those options to their families for discussion.6.After discussion with their families, students will itemize the agreed upon plan and identify specific actions that result in quantifiable outcomes that will implemented to reduce energy consumption by their families.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Empathetic Engineering,
Engineering Design,
Field Work,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Place-Based Learning,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Primary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Jonathan Strunin
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ESS3-4,
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-ETS1-3,
HS-ESS3-2,
HS-ESS3-4,
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-2,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-ETS1-4
Other Subjects Covered:
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Algebra,
Math: Functions,
Math: Measurement,
Math: Ratios & Proportions
Estimated Activity Length:
4 hours

Part 2 - Lesson 1: Renewable Energy Panel

Grades:
6-12
Unit:
A Community Powered by Renewable Energy
Lesson Number:
4
Description:

Students will meet with local planners or other available energy experts to discuss public policy regarding the use of wind turbines and solar arrays to generate electricity. Students develop questions for a panel of professionals regarding considerations...

Energy Content:
Electrical Energy,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Electricity Generation,
Microgrids,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy,
Wind Energy
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1.Students will gain background information regarding the limitations of having and wind and solar generating infrastructure within city and county limits, including environmental, aesthetic, and cultural considerations. 2.Students will compile criteria for placement of wind and solar energy sources.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Empathetic Engineering,
Engineering Design,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Place-Based Learning,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Primary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Jonathan Strunin
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ESS3-2
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences,
CTE: Career & Technical Education,
Social Sciences: Analysis,
Social Sciences: Civics,
Social Sciences: Geography
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour

Part 2 - Lesson 2: Wind Energy

Grades:
6-12
Unit:
A Community Powered by Renewable Energy
Lesson Number:
5
Description:

Students will learn about wind and how wind varies across geographies. Students will use Vernier Wind Turbine kits or homemade wind turbines to experiment with blade angles and wind speed. During experimentation, students will collect data as blade angles...

Energy Content:
Electrical Energy,
Electricity Generation,
Sources of Energy,
Wind Energy
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1.Students will conduct an experiment where blade angles are the variable and wind speed is constant.2.Students will conduct an experiment where blade angles are constant and wind speed varies.3.Students will collect and analyze data to provide a conclusion to the questions: What is the optimal blade angle for generating the most energy? What is the optimal wind speed for generating the most energy?4.Students will research prevailing winds and use a provided map of their region to indicate wind speed and direction.5.Students will propose locations for wind farms based on optimal energy generation and zoning restrictions.6.Based on their proposals, students will determine a range of potential kilowatt generation from wind power.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Engineering Design,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Place-Based Learning,
Project-Based Learning
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:
Jonathan Strunin
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ESS3-3,
MS-ESS3-4,
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-ETS1-3,
MS-ETS1-4,
MS-PS3-2,
HS-ESS3-2,
HS-ESS3-4,
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-2,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-ETS1-4,
HS-PS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Math: Measurement,
Social Sciences: Geography
Estimated Activity Length:
10 hours
Design a 50 Year Energy Plan

What is Our Plan?

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
50 Year Energy Plan
Lesson Number:
6
Description:

With all the pieces in place, this Unit’s final lesson asks students to code a spreadsheet that calculates and mathematically predicts the environmental impacts of different energy sources and strategies over a 50 year timespan. Divided into five...

Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Biomass Energy,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Hydropower,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy,
Wind Energy
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1. Students utilize their knowledge of energy’s impact on global systems as well as the process of energy generation in order to inform their development of a 50-year Energy Plan divided into decades. 
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Place-Based Learning,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Author:
Bradford Hill
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ESS3-2,
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-ETS1-4
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Writing,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Social Sciences: Analysis,
Social Sciences: Geography
Estimated Activity Length:
5 hours

Part 2 - Lesson 3: Solar Energy

Grades:
6-12
Unit:
A Community Powered by Renewable Energy
Lesson Number:
6
Description:

Students will work with local government staff or another local energy professional to propose a way to create enough solar power energy to supply the annual energy needs for a real building. Students will be provided with on-site options, and will...

Energy Content:
Electrical Energy,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Electricity Generation,
Smart Grid,
Solar Photovoltaic
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1.Students will conduct an experiment to determine how electrical output changes as solar panels as the azimuth and tilts are incrementally changed.2.Students will conduct an experiment to determine how electrical output changes as solar panels are shaded.3.Students will work with the staff from your city or town to calculate the amount of potential electrical energy that can be collected from solar panels based upon the location and size of the system.4.Students will use existing solar data to determine the number of solar panels required to power the building in question.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Place-Based Learning,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Primary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations,
4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Jonathan Strunin
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-2,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-ETS1-4
Other Subjects Covered:
Math: Geometry,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement,
Math: Ratios & Proportions,
Social Sciences: Economics
Estimated Activity Length:
6 hours

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