Resource Type:
Action Guide,
Energy Program/Initiative (Nonprofit/Industry),
Instructional Resource,
Organizations & Possible Partners,
Report
Source:
Climate Justice Alliance
Published:
2016
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
MS,
HS,
OST,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

Released in response to President Obama's Clean Power Plan, this analysis and policy platform's goal is "to empower communities working for a Just Transition to a clean energy future by organizing to protect the integrity of the CPP and ensuring Federal and State Implementation Plans adhere to principles of environmental justice." It addresses effects on frontline communities, incorproatin of environmetal justice principles into state and federal energy plans, regulation of carbon and co-pollutant emisisons, policy loopholes to incentivize fossil fuel extraction, clean energy and conservtation, and access to clean energy careers.

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Advanced Energy Careers,
Energy & Society,
Energy Equity and Justice,
Renewable Natural Gas,
Biomass Energy,
Electricity Generation,
Energy Efficiency,
Fuels,
Hydropower,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy,
Transportation,
Wind Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Career-Connected Learning,
Community Engagement,
Justice-Centered Learning,
Culturally Sustaining
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences,
Social Sciences: Civics,
Social Sciences: Economics
Resource Type:
Grants/Funding,
Mentorships,
Teacher Externship
Source:
Murdock Charitable Trust
Published:
2020
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
HS,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

This unique program pairs high school science teachers with a mentor doing cutting-edge research in an academic lab or a lab associated with another nonprofit institution. The Murdock Trust awards approximately 25 Partners in Science grants each year to fund these teacher-mentor research opportunities in the Pacific Northwest. Our goal is to help teachers bring knowledge from the research lab directly into the classroom to promote hands-on science education. 

Location:
West/Pacific NW
Energy Content:
Advanced Energy Careers,
Batteries & Storage,
Energy & Society,
Energy Equity and Justice,
Renewable Natural Gas,
Biomass Energy,
Circuitry,
Electricity Generation,
Electronics,
Energy Efficiency,
Fuels,
Geothermal Energy,
Hydrogen,
Hydropower,
Light (Visible),
Materials Science,
Next Generation Manufacturing,
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion,
Smart Grid,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Solar Thermal,
Sound,
Sources of Energy,
Thermal Energy (Heat),
Tidal Energy,
Transportation,
Wave Energy,
Wind Energy
Pedagogy & Practice:
Career-Connected Learning,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Hands-on Materials,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Place-Based Learning,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Primary
Other Subjects Covered:
CTE: Career & Technical Education
Hot Pack

Unit Plan - Chemical Differences in Emergency Energy Sources

Grades:
7-8
Unit:
Chemical Differences in Emergency Energy Sources
Description:

Students develop atomic and molecular models of energy resources, analyze combustion of various fuels and build circuits with Photovolatic (PV) modules to evaluate and suggest revisions to a disaster preparedness supply list. They then research and...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Electrons,
Fuels,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy,
Thermal Energy (Heat)
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
To build empathy for people in emergency situations and an understanding of how access to energy resources can increase one’s safety, health, and comfort. To understand the nature of a variety of energy needs and how different applications have different optimal solutions. To develop models to explain the molecular and extended structures of energy resources, including how the resources change when energy is generated (Electron movement in PV cells, combustion reactions in fuel). To understand that the properties of substances depends upon the atomic / molecular structure, which changes with chemical reactions. To build a circuit that includes a solar module and measure the voltage and current. To gather and evaluate information to describe the impact on society of converting natural resources into PV cells. To design, build and test a device that uses a chemical reaction to generate or absorb thermal energy. Evaluate and revise a plan for the energy resources one should store to prepare for a natural disaster. 
Pedagogy & Practice:
Empathetic Engineering,
English Language Strategies,
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary,
Social-Emotional Learning,
STEAM/Arts
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:
Melody Childers
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-ETS1-3,
MS-ETS1-4,
MS-PS1-1,
MS-PS1-2,
MS-PS1-3,
MS-PS1-4,
MS-PS1-5,
MS-PS1-6
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Reading: Scientific & Technical,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing,
Math: Algebra,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Social Sciences: Multicultural Studies
Estimated Activity Length:
0 sec
Resource Type:
At-Home,
Data,
Energy Program/Initiative (Nonprofit/Industry),
Instructional Resource,
Interactive,
Visualization/Simulation
Source:
The Nature Conservancy
Published:
2020
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
MS,
HS,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

An interactive map that examines the opportunity and impact of wind development in the Great Plains states, with an opportunity for students to explore siting of wind facilities using factors that professionals would be required to consider. Great for both tech skills and problems solving skills development.

Location:
National,
West/Pacific NW,
Rockies,
Plains,
Midwest,
South,
Southwest
Energy Content:
Energy & Society,
Sources of Energy,
Wind Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
LS4.D: Biodiversity & Humans
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Engineering Design,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Place-Based Learning,
Project-Based Learning
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences
Sources of Energy

Informative Writing: Where Does Energy Come From?

Grades:
3-8
Unit:
Solar Updraft Towers
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

This lesson is a (stand alone or in-unit) guided non-fiction research and writing project, which includes a differentiated choice menu and list of ideas for publishing the completed project. Each student will choose one of ten energy sources to research,...

Energy Content:
Biomass Energy,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity Generation,
Energy Fundamentals,
Fuels,
Geothermal Energy,
Hydrogen,
Hydropower,
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Solar Thermal,
Sources of Energy,
Tidal Energy,
Wave Energy,
Wind Energy
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will understand ten renewable and non-renewable energy sources on the earth.Students will learn the locations of different energy sources on the earth.Students will learn the history of energy sources and how they have been used by humans.Students will learn about innovations and inventions used to find, recover, store and release energy for human consumption.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Research-Secondary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
7: Engaging in Argument from Evidence,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Lisa Morgan
Relevant NGSS PE:
4-PS3-2,
4-PS3-3,
4-PS3-4,
4-ESS3-1,
3-5-ETS1-1,
3-5-ETS1-2,
3-5-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Informational Text,
ELA: Reading: Scientific & Technical,
ELA: Writing,
ELA: Vocabulary Development
Estimated Activity Length:
10 hours
Solar Charger Diagram

Replacing Fossil Fuels?

Grades:
10-12
Unit:
Solar Transportation
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

As students begin to look at the role photovoltaics might play within the transportation energy sector, it is important for them to understand why the phasing-out of fossil fuels is such a daunting task. This lesson is designed to help students comprehend...

Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Biomass Energy,
Energy Fundamentals,
Fuels,
Materials Science,
Sources of Energy,
Transportation
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1. Students will define energy density. 2. Students will compare energy densities among various transportation fuel options. 3. Students will compare costs per unit of energy among various transportation fuel options. 4. Students will compare energy return on energy invested among various transportation fuel options. 5. Students will assess which fuels have the most potential to replace fossil fuels in the transportation sector using a weighted matrix.
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
Author:
Clayton Hudiburg
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Algebra,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour
Sources of Energy

What is Energy? Where does it come from?

Grades:
4-5
Unit:
Solar Ovens
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

Students will be introduced to the scientific meaning of energy and complete a lesson on forms of energy vs. sources of energy. They will learn that most of the energy they use comes from fossil fuels. (Petroleum 35%, Natural Gas 27%, Coal 18%=82%)...

Energy Content:
Energy Fundamentals,
Sources of Energy
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will obtain basic background information on energy. Students will use their background knowledge to determine what different examples of energy are.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Research-Secondary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Debbie Abel
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Writing,
ELA: Vocabulary Development
Estimated Activity Length:
50 min
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
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-
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
Puerto Rico Power

When the Grid Goes Down and Stays Down

Grades:
7-8
Unit:
Chemical Differences in Emergency Energy Sources
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

Through an examination of media published in the five months following Hurricane Maria in 2017, students will develop an understanding of the electrical grid, the vulnerabilities of a grid system, and the immediate and long-term challenges of living...

Energy Content:
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Sources of Energy
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More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will understand the general structure of an energy grid Students will develop an understanding of the living conditions in Puerto Rico after Hurricane MariaStudents will collaborate to brainstorm needs to support safety, health and comfort in a natural disaster setting.Students will identify energy resources that one might desire to have in order meet the needs they identify. 
Pedagogy & Practice:
Empathetic Engineering,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Research-Secondary,
Social-Emotional Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems
Author:
Melody Childers
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Informational Text,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing,
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Social Sciences: Analysis,
Social Sciences: Multicultural Studies
Estimated Activity Length:
1 hour

Cost Effective Solar Cells: Solar Energy Equity and Sustainability

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
Cost Effective Solar Cells
Lesson Number:
1
Description:

This lesson is designed to span 2 days with 40-minute sections. On the introduction day, three solar power articles will be read to set up a Socratic Seminar dialogue on Day 2. A teacher will need to read the articles. The articles investigate the pros and...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Energy Fundamentals,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will read at least three articles discussing solar power generation, and the social, cultural, and economic implications of sustainable solar energyStudents will discuss social, cultural, and economic implications of sustainable solar energy in a Socratic Seminar format.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Culturally Sustaining,
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Tom Wolverton
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-PS1-2,
HS-PS2-6,
HS-PS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Reading: Scientific & Technical,
ELA: Speaking & Listening
Estimated Activity Length:
2 hours

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