Sources of Energy

Energy Review: Practical and Technical Perspectives—What is Energy?

Grades:
4-8
Description:

Students will take a short field trip around the school to identify different types of energy.

Energy Content:
Electrical Energy,
Energy Fundamentals,
Potential & Kinetic Energy
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
To access prior knowledge about different forms of energy
Pedagogy & Practice:
Field Work,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Research-Primary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
3: Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Author:
Erin Sturtz
Relevant NGSS PE:
4-PS3-2,
MS-PS3-2,
MS-PS3-5
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing
Estimated Activity Length:
50 min

Constructing a Solar-Powered MintyBoost USB Charger

Grades:
6-8
Description:

Students will receive a background on solar energy, solar energy applications, and electrical circuit components. Students will then apply these concepts to a Home Energy Consumption worksheet and the construction of a Solar Module MintyBoost USB Charger,...

Energy Content:
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Solar Photovoltaic
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will gain a background on solar energy and be able to apply terms such as solar modules, photovoltaics, and solar power. Students will gain a background on electrical circuit components and be able to apply terms such as capacitor, resistor, diode, alternating and direct current, amps, inductor, volts, and watts. Through the completion of the Home Energy Consumption worksheet, students will determine their family’s monthly energy consumption and calculate the monthly dollar cost for household items such as light bulbs, game consoles, and televisions. Students will demonstrate their understanding of solar energy and electrical circuits through the construction of a Solar Module MintyBoost USB Charger and a presentation of their own unique product that utilizes the solar charger.
Pedagogy & Practice:
Engineering Design,
Hands-on Materials,
Project-Based Learning
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Deb Frankel
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-LS2-5,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-PS1-3,
MS-PS2-3,
MS-PS3-3
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Speaking & Listening
Estimated Activity Length:
10 hours
Sphero SPRK+

Solar SPRK+ Unit Overview

Grades:
6-8
Unit:
Solar SPRK+
Description:

This unit incorporates basic programming knowledge and solar energy into an engineering design challenge using Sphero SPRK+ robots. The theme for this challenge centers on the idea of Mars rovers, and the challenges faced in space exploration, specifically...

Energy Content:
Batteries & Storage,
Circuitry,
Electrical Energy,
Electronics,
Solar Photovoltaic
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
Students will develop tools to use in the Engineering Design Process.Students will learn drag and drop programming with Sphero Edu (formerly Lightning Lab).Students will determine how series and parallel circuits affect voltage and current.Students will understand how to use photovoltaic sources to charge a SPRK+.Students will design a chariot to carry a photovoltaic power source for a SPRK+.Students will learn to program a SPRK+ ball and chariot through a maze.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Hands-on Materials,
Project-Based Learning,
Research-Secondary
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices:
1: Asking Questions and Defining Problems,
2: Developing and Using Models,
5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking,
6: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions,
8: Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Author:
Deb Frankel
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-2,
MS-ETS1-3
Other Subjects Covered:
Computer Science,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Vocabulary Development
Estimated Activity Length:
10 hours
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:
Institute for Science and Math Education
Published:
2016
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
PreK-2,
3-5,
MS,
HS,
OST
Resource File(s):
Description:

A fantastic one-page guide for educators to navigate different activities to promote collaborative science learning, based on the need/purpose andn timing of the activity. Includes stuent- and teacher led activities across a range of leanring styles. 

Location:
National
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Early Childhood Learning,
English Language Strategies,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Multiple Learning Styles
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing
Electric Current Induction

Wave Attenuator Unit Overview

Grades:
6-12
Unit:
Wave Attenuator
Description:

Through a series of learning experiences, students will experiment with the basic concepts of motion to electrical energy transformation. Students start by building a series of models that demonstrate the interactions between magnetic and electric fields....

Energy Content:
Electrical Energy,
Electricity and Magnetism,
Electricity Generation
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-
More Details Less Details
Learning Goal(s):
1. Students will demonstrate energy transfer through space using electromagnetic phenomena. 2. Students will design a model that demonstrates that a current-carrying wire can induce magnetism. 3. Students will define and build an electromagnet. 4. Students will demonstrate electromagnetic induction. 5. Students will describe and model the energy transfer and transformation in a wave attenuator. 6. Students will build a wave attenuator using a diagram and selected materials. 7. Students will test the model wave attenuator they built. 8. Students will investigate variables that may affect the output of an energy conversion device (wave attenuator). 9. Students will interpret data to identify which variables increase electrical output for these model wave attenuators. 10. Students will communicate results from scientific inquiry to identify factors that are important to optimizing the design of a wave attenuator.
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Engineering Design,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Phenomena-Driven Instruction,
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,
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:
Tabatha Roderick
Relevant NGSS PE:
MS-ESS3-1,
MS-ETS1-1,
MS-ETS1-4,
MS-PS2-4,
MS-PS3-5
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Informational Text,
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
Math: Measurement
Estimated Activity Length:
10 hours
Resource Type:
Instructional Resource,
Pedagogy
Source:
TERC
Published:
2012
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
PreK-2,
3-5,
MS,
HS,
OST
Resource File(s):
Description:

A simple reference for all student ages of talk moves and activities that educators can use to facilitate productive academic dialogue around new topics.

Location:
National
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
Early Childhood Learning,
English Language Strategies,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Group Work/Collaboration,
Social-Emotional Learning
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing
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:
Instructional Resource,
Curriculum
Source:
Teach Engineering/University of Colorado
Published:
2014
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
3-5
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

A basic introduction to electrical energy and how it shows up in the world, including understanding the atomic basis for electricity. Not phenomena driven, but a solid stand-alone lesson to help students understand electricity.

Location:
National
Energy Content:
Electrical Energy
NGSS Disciplinary Core Idea:
PS3.B: Energy Conservation & Transfer
Pedagogy & Practice:
English Language Strategies
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Speaking & Listening,
ELA: Writing,
ELA: Vocabulary Development
Resource Type:
Pedagogy,
Research
Source:
TERC
Published:
2012
Last Updated:
2020
Intended Grade Level:
PreK-2,
3-5,
MS,
HS
Resource Link(s):
Report Broken Link
Description:

Teacher guide that focuses on introduing and strategies for fostering academically productive talk in classrooms, with a focus on STEM practices of Construction Explanations and Arguing from Evidence. Has many great tools for fostering a culture of evidence-based dialog in classroom environments.

Location:
National
Pedagogy & Practice:
21st Century Skills Development,
English Language Strategies,
Establishing a Culture of Science,
Multiple Learning Styles
Other Subjects Covered:
ELA: Speaking & Listening

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