Resource Type:
At-Home,
Curriculum,
Instructional Resource,
Interactive,
Pedagogy,
Phenomena,
Video,
Visualization/Simulation
Source:
CK-12
Published:
2021
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
PreK-2,
3-5,
MS,
HS
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

cK-12 is a nonprofit free database of curricular resources across all subjects, and includes complete content, interacties and simulations, assessments and videos and more. The energy content includes content that addresses the foundational content required in NGSS. 

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Electrical Energy,
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electricity Generation,
Electrons,
Energy Fundamentals,
Light (Visible),
Potential & Kinetic Energy,
Sound,
Sources of Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS1.B: Solar System,
ESS1.C: Earth History,
ESS2.A: Earth Materials & Systems,
ESS2.C: Water on Earth,
ESS2.D: Weather & Climate,
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change,
LS2.B: Matter & Energy Cycles,
LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics,
LS4.D: Biodiversity & Humans,
PS1.A: Matter: Structure & Properties,
PS1.B: Chemical Reactions,
PS1.C: Nuclear Processes,
PS2.A: Forces & Motion,
PS2.B: Interactions Between Forces,
PS3.A: Energy Definitions,
PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer,
PS3.C: Energy & Forces,
PS3.D: Energy in Chemical Processes,
PS4.A: Wave Properties,
PS4.B: Electromagnetic Radiation,
PS4.C: Information Technologies
Pedagogy & Practice:
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Multilingual Strategies,
Multiple Learning Styles
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Informational Text,
ELA: Reading: Literature,
ELA: Reading: Scientific & Technical,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing,
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Algebra,
Math: Functions,
Math: Geometry,
Math: Graphing & Representation,
Math: Measurement,
Math: Statistics & Probability,
Math: Ratios & Proportions,
Math: Trigonometry/Calculus,
Social Sciences: Analysis,
Social Sciences: Civics,
Social Sciences: Economics,
Social Sciences: Geography,
Social Sciences: History,
Social Sciences: Multicultural Studies
Resource Type:
Instructional Resource,
Pedagogy
Source:
US Department of Energy
Published:
2017
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
PreK-2,
3-5,
MS,
HS,
OST,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

Energy Literacy: Essential Principles and Fundamental Concepts for Energy Education is an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning about energy. The framework identifies seven Essential Principles and a set of Fundamental Concepts to support each principle. The guide does not seek to identify all areas of energy understanding, but rather to focus on those that are essential for all citizens K-Gray. It presents energy concepts that, if understood and applied, will help individuals and communities make informed energy decisions.

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Advanced Energy Careers,
Batteries & Storage,
Energy & Society,
Energy Equity and Justice,
Renewable Natural Gas,
Biomass Energy,
Circuitry,
Demand Response,
Electrical Energy,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electricity Generation,
Electronics,
Electrons,
Energy Efficiency,
Energy Fundamentals,
Fuels,
Geothermal Energy,
Hydrogen,
Hydropower,
Light (Visible),
Materials Science,
Microgrids,
Next Generation Manufacturing,
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion,
Potential & Kinetic Energy,
Smart Grid,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Solar Thermal,
Sound,
Sources of Energy,
Thermal Energy (Heat),
Tidal Energy,
Transportation,
Wave Energy,
Wind Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS1.B: Solar System,
ESS1.C: Earth History,
ESS2.A: Earth Materials & Systems,
ESS2.C: Water on Earth,
ESS2.D: Weather & Climate,
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change,
LS2.B: Matter & Energy Cycles,
LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics,
LS4.D: Biodiversity & Humans,
PS1.A: Matter: Structure & Properties,
PS1.B: Chemical Reactions,
PS1.C: Nuclear Processes,
PS2.A: Forces & Motion,
PS2.B: Interactions Between Forces,
PS3.A: Energy Definitions,
PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer,
PS3.C: Energy & Forces,
PS3.D: Energy in Chemical Processes,
PS4.A: Wave Properties,
PS4.B: Electromagnetic Radiation,
PS4.C: Information Technologies
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Early Childhood Learning,
Establishing a Culture of Science
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences,
Social Sciences: Analysis,
Social Sciences: Civics,
Social Sciences: Economics,
Social Sciences: Geography,
Social Sciences: History
Resource Type:
At-Home,
Curriculum,
Engineering Challenges,
Instructional Resource,
Video
Source:
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
Published:
2020
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
3-5,
MS,
HS,
OST,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

An at-home engineering challenge using simple materials to design, build and test a water-powered turbine. Accessible to nearly all ages.

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electricity Generation,
Hydropower,
Sources of Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS2.C: Water on Earth,
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
PS2.A: Forces & Motion,
PS2.B: Interactions Between Forces,
PS3.A: Energy Definitions,
PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer,
PS3.C: Energy & Forces
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Project-Based Learning,
STEAM/Arts
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Measurement
Resource Type:
At-Home,
Instructional Resource,
Video,
Visualization/Simulation
Source:
The Engineering Mindset
Published:
2021
Last Updated:
2021
Intended Grade Level:
MS,
HS,
Post Secondary
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

The Engineering Mindset is a series of illustrated comprehensive tutorials on electricity concepts, energy and engineering concepts, from topics as simple as electricity basics to complicated real-world technological applcations, especially building systems. They are a great go to resource for explaining complicated concepts in relatively simple, well-illustrated videos.

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Energy & Society,
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electrical Grid (Transmission & Distribution),
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electricity Generation,
Electronics,
Electrons,
Energy Fundamentals,
Materials Science,
Potential & Kinetic Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
PS1.A: Matter: Structure & Properties,
PS2.A: Forces & Motion,
PS2.B: Interactions Between Forces,
PS3.A: Energy Definitions,
PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer,
PS3.C: Energy & Forces,
PS4.B: Electromagnetic Radiation
Pedagogy & Practice:
Career-Connected Learning,
Engineering Design
Other Subjects Covered:
CTE: Career & Technical Education
Resource Type:
Instructional Resource,
Curriculum,
At-Home
Source:
KidWind
Published:
2015
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
PreK-2,
3-5,
MS,
HS,
OST
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

A series of 9 hands-on lessons (grades 2-12) that explore wind and solar energy, cirtcuity and electricity generation using a mixture of design and DIY tools.  The includes materials lists and video support guides for implementing the curriculum. 

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electricity Generation,
Energy Fundamentals,
Potential & Kinetic Energy,
Solar Photovoltaic,
Sources of Energy,
Transportation,
Wind Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
PS2.A: Forces & Motion,
PS2.B: Interactions Between Forces,
PS3.A: Energy Definitions,
PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer,
PS3.C: Energy & Forces
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Project-Based Learning
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Writing,
ELA: Vocabulary Development,
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Geometry,
Math: Measurement,
Math: Ratios & Proportions
Resource Type:
Instructional Resource,
Curriculum,
Engineering Challenges
Source:
KidWind
Published:
2015
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
MS,
HS
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

A time-tested series of 19 lessons developed by KidWInd to explore Wind Energy, using KidWind or DIY wind turbines designed by students. Lessons span from basic concepts of wind energy all the way through sighting of windmills and impacts on people and wildlife.

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Energy & Society,
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electricity Generation,
Sources of Energy,
Wind Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS2.D: Weather & Climate,
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
PS1.A: Matter: Structure & Properties,
PS2.A: Forces & Motion,
PS2.B: Interactions Between Forces,
PS3.A: Energy Definitions,
PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer,
PS3.C: Energy & Forces
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles
Other Subjects Covered:
Math: Algebra,
Math: Functions,
Math: Measurement,
Math: Ratios & Proportions,
Social Sciences: Geography
Resource Type:
Interactive,
Visualization/Simulation,
At-Home
Source:
University of Colorado Boulder
Published:
2020
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
3-5,
MS,
HS
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

A series of over 150 digitial interacitves that allow students to explore a wide variety of science concepts, from simple energy transformations and motion, as well as beahvior of electricity in multiple contexts (static electricity, circuity, batteries, electromagnetism, fields, and more). Many include data collection and applied exploraion of science concepts in physics, chemistry, math, and more. Most are meant for secondary grades, but there are some good foundational energy interactives for upper elementary.

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electricity Generation,
Electrons,
Energy Fundamentals,
Light (Visible),
Sound,
Thermal Energy (Heat)
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
PS1.A: Matter: Structure & Properties,
PS1.B: Chemical Reactions,
PS2.A: Forces & Motion,
PS2.B: Interactions Between Forces,
PS3.A: Energy Definitions,
PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer,
PS3.C: Energy & Forces,
PS3.D: Energy in Chemical Processes,
PS4.A: Wave Properties,
PS4.B: Electromagnetic Radiation
Other Subjects Covered:
Math: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division,
Math: Geometry,
Math: Measurement,
Math: Statistics & Probability,
Math: Ratios & Proportions
Resource Type:
Instructional Resource,
Curriculum,
Research,
Phenomena
Source:
The Wonder of Science
Published:
2020
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
PreK-2,
3-5,
MS,
HS,
OST
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

The Wonder of Science was created to support the next generation of science teachers. The website aggregates resources developed by Paul Andersen and other science teachers implementing the Next Generation Science Standards* (NGSS). Resources include phenomena resources by standard, graphic organizers, inquiry cards, NGSS posters, and other tools for building three-dimensionality in the classroom.

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electronics,
Sound,
Sources of Energy,
Thermal Energy (Heat)
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
ESS1.B: Solar System,
ESS1.C: Earth History,
ESS2.A: Earth Materials & Systems,
ESS2.C: Water on Earth,
ESS2.D: Weather & Climate,
ESS3.A: Natural Resources,
ESS3.C: Human Impact,
ESS3.D: Climate Change,
LS2.B: Matter & Energy Cycles,
LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics,
LS4.D: Biodiversity & Humans,
PS1.A: Matter: Structure & Properties,
PS1.B: Chemical Reactions,
PS1.C: Nuclear Processes,
PS2.A: Forces & Motion,
PS2.B: Interactions Between Forces,
PS3.A: Energy Definitions,
PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer,
PS3.C: Energy & Forces,
PS3.D: Energy in Chemical Processes,
PS4.A: Wave Properties,
PS4.B: Electromagnetic Radiation,
PS4.C: Information Technologies

Cost Effective Solar Cells Unit Plan

Grades:
9-12
Unit:
Cost Effective Solar Cells
Description:

Through a series of solar panel and solar cell construction activities, students will learn the basic principles of energy conversion from light energy to chemical & electrical energy. Students will assemble and test pre-constructed solar panels to...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electronics,
Light (Visible),
Solar Photovoltaic
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will discuss social, cultural, and economic implications of sustainable solar energy.Students will construct and test solar panel arrays to power LED lights, fan motors, and music playersStudents will review circuitry basics and solar cell layersStudents will analyze and share out power generation results with classmatesStudents will construct and test an oxidized copper sheet solar cellStudents will share and analyze oxidized copper sheet solar cell dataStudents will construct and test titanium dioxide coated “raspberry juice” solar cellsStudents will collect and analyze titanium dioxide coated “raspberry juice” solar cell data.Students will discuss results and draw conclusions about variables that may affect power generationStudents will visit a solar cell or silicon manufacturing facility and/or engage with guest speakers. Students will learn more detailed solar cell principles and manufacturing techniques involved in solar cell constructionStudents will research chemicals, materials and procedures for their own solar cell designsStudents will build and present models of their proposed solar cellsStudents will construct and test unique solar cellsStudents will present construction progress and project obstaclesStudents will format solar cell data, draw conclusions, and construct an engineering report as a research poster
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Hands-on Materials,
Multiple Learning Styles,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary
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:
Tom Wolverton
Relevant NGSS PE:
HS-ETS1-1,
HS-ETS1-2,
HS-ETS1-3,
HS-ETS1-4,
HS-PS1-2,
HS-PS2-6,
HS-PS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Environmental Sciences,
ELA: Reading: Scientific & Technical
Estimated Activity Length:
10 hours
Solar Mobile

Solar Mobile Design Challenge Unit Plan

Grades:
6-8
Unit:
Solar Mobile Design Challenge
Description:

This unit involves students learning about transferring solar energy to small motors, exploring the center of gravity and testing light sources (including the sun). The culminating engineering design project gives students the chance to pull...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electricity and Magnetism,
Energy Efficiency,
Materials Science,
Solar Photovoltaic
+
-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will design circuits using various solar panels in order to power motors with propellers. Students will learn about solar energy transfer in order to power the motors on their solar aircraft.Students will research an aircraft and draw an outline of the aircraft onto foam board. Students will explore the concept of center of gravity. Students will test the efficiency of various light sources (incandescent, fluorescent, LED, halogen) for usage by a PV cell.Students will use their prior testing results and knowledge to engineer a solar-powered mobile. Students will work to transfer the most energy from the solar panels considering all the tested variables in order to power the fastest, most efficient mobile.Students will demonstrate and explain why their solar mobile should be chosen for the solar mobile display in the children’s museum. 
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
Project-Based 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:
Kristy Schneider
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ETS1-3,
MS-ETS1-4,
MS-PS2-2,
MS-PS3-5
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Informational Text,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
0 sec

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