Curated OER
Permit Trading
Emerging environmentalists work in groups and pretend that each is a power company generating electricity for a community. They consider the costs of building a renewable electricity generator that will increasingly replace generating...
Teach Engineering
Energy Forms and States Demonstrations
Does a tennis ball have energy? What about a bowling ball? Demonstrate concepts of different forms of energy forms and states with a variety of objects. Using the equations for potential and kinetic energy, learners determine the amount...
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
No Fossils in This Fuel
Yeast and sugar go beyond the pantry and into a fuel experiment. Use these common baking ingredients to assist your class in creating ethanol, a natural fuel. Pupils observe the process and gather information to elaborate on the...
Curated OER
Magneto-hydrodynamic Drives
Students examine how electric and magnetic fields can be used to force water out of a chamber to move a vehicle forward.
Curated OER
Friction Flyers
Students explore the principles of magnetism and friction. They complete an interactive puzzle on the Gizmos and Gadgets computer software, construct a vehicle, build and modify ramps and vehicles to produce various outcomes, and...
Teach Engineering
How a Hybrid Works
Work with your class to connect series and parallel circuits to hybrid cars. The lesson introduces basic circuit diagrams before having scholars apply the understanding of the difference between parallel and series circuits to hybrid cars.
Curated OER
Auto-Mania
In this history of automobiles worksheet, students answer 20 questions about the automobile industry, the changes that have taken place over the course of the auto industry's history and the current statistics about automobiles.
Curated OER
History of Cars
In this history of cars worksheet, students answer 20 multiple choice questions about cars of the past, the types of cars, the Clean Air Act, the number of cars on the road and the average fuel economy for new cars.
Curated OER
Power In Variety
Students discover different types of energy. In this energy source lesson plan students compare different types of energy, renewable and nonrenewable. Students answer questions about the different types of energy and their impact on the...
Curated OER
Thar She Blows!
Learners identify the advantages and disadvantages of wind farms and turbines. They examine how weather conditions can affect their effectiveness and how engineers are trying to solve the problem. They discover how engineers use this...
Curated OER
Energy Conversion
Sixth graders study energy conversions. They watch a demonstration of a working engine and make a chart explaining the energy conversions taking place. They build a simple electric motor and research other types of electric generators.
Curated OER
What is Energy?
Young scholars define energy and identify the different types that exist. They identify places they see, hear or feel energy. They understand the role of engineering in finding and testing sources of energy for the production of...
Curated OER
Pushes and Pulls
Students discuss and investigate how various vehicles move. In a small groups, students then create a wheeled vehicle and find a way to make it move using various resources provided by the teacher.
Curated OER
What Can I Do About Global Environmental Change?
Students complete a unit to evaluate their impact on the environment and greenhouse gas emissions. They conduct Internet research, develop a list of their electrical and energy use, calculate their share of greenhouse gases, and identify...
Curated OER
Sliders - Static and Kinetic Friction
Middle schoolers work in groups to conduct experiments the demonstrate the differences between static and kinetic friction. They consider how friction affects us in our everyday lives, determine the effects of weight on friction and...
Curated OER
Hybrid Automobiles
Learners explain the basic principles of gasoline engines as propulsion for vehicles. They cite reasons why alternatives for gasoline engines are being considered and explain differences between a motor and an engine.
National Energy Education Development Project
Exploring Transportation
Did you know horsepower is actually based on the power of a horse? 60 horse power is the equivalent of being pulled by a team of 60 horses! Viewers will learn other interesting facts like this from a presentation that begins with the...
Curated OER
Magnetic Levitation
Students conduct a series of experiments on magnetic levitation. In this physics instructional activity, students discover how Maglev trains operate. They explain how magnetism make even simple objects levitate.
Curated OER
Maglev Trains
Students explore how Maglev trains work. In this technology lesson, students discuss the pros and cons of Maglev compared to conventional trains. They build a simple Maglev train model.
Curated OER
The Magic of Solar Thermal: How the Sun Can Be Used to Heat Water
Learners are introduced to how the sun is used to heat water. In this solar lesson students identify the different types of solar water heating and demonstrate how it works.
Curated OER
Learning ASL: Lesson 9
Here is lesson 9 in an extensive series on teaching and learning ASL. Discuss code switching, numerical incorporation, and noun based vocabulary. Then, click on the blue links to view ASL in action. Each link takes you to a printable...
Curated OER
The International Space Station
A mini-poster and diagram of the International Space Station are provided for young astronauts to refer to as they construct a space station of their own. Detailed parameters must be adhered to as small gropus build. Instructions and...
Curated OER
Invention of the Tricycle
Appreciate the power of the pedal by learning about the history of the tricycle during National Bike Month.
National Science Teachers Association
The Ethanol Project
In a mock senate hearing regarding the development of ethanol as a fuel source, each person in the class is assigned a role to play and must uphold the stance of their character. Once the senate hearing is complete, each person writes a...