National Geographic
National Geographic: Stakeholder Debate: Wind Energy
Using a case study of the Cape Wind Project in Nantucket Sound, students examine the various points of view of stakeholders, and hold a debate to argue about the pros and cons of this wind energy project. Includes handouts for...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Using Heat From the Sun
In this lesson plan, students will first discuss where energy comes from, including sources such as fossil fuels, nuclear, and such renewable technologies as solar. After this initial exploration, students will investigate the three main...
Other
Chewonki Foundation: Pathways to a Sustainable Future: Renewable Energy
Information on different forms of renewable energy with links for student projects, resources for teachers, and links to related resources.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Off the Grid
Students learn and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of renewable and non-renewable energy sources. They also learn about our nation's electric power grid and what it means for a residential home to be "off the grid."
Practical Action
Practical Action: Wind Power Challenge
In this unit, students explore how life for people in the rural mountainous regions of Peru is different as they live without access to electricity. They learn how small-scale wind turbines have changed people's lives, as with a supply...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Power Your House With Wind
Students learn how engineers harness the energy of the wind to produce power by following the engineering design process as they prototype two types of wind turbines and test to see which works best. Students also learn how engineers...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Photovoltaic Efficiency
Through a series of four lessons, students are introduced to many factors that affect the power output of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. Factors such as the angle of the sun, temperature of the panels, specific circuit characteristics,...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Power to the People
Students read and evaluate descriptions of how people live "off the grid" using solar power and come to understand better the degree to which that lifestyle is or is not truly independent of technological, economic and cultural...
Energy4Me
Energy4me: Geothermal
Find out how geothermal energy is used as a source of usable electricity.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Economics of Installing Solar Pv Panels: Is It Worth It to the Individual?
Help determine the financial calculations involved in an actual solar photovoltaic system installed Denver, Colorado in 2013.
Georgia Department of Education
Ga Virtual Learning: Geology Resources
In this interactive tutorial you will learn about geological resources. Learn what the types of resources are and concentrate on learning about mineral resources and how they are obtained and used, and then about energy resources and...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Thar She Blows!
Students learn about wind as a source of renewable energy and explore the advantages and disadvantages wind turbines and wind farms. They also learn about the effectiveness of wind turbines in varying weather conditions and how engineers...
Other
Solar Schools: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Renewable Energy
One major advantage with the use of renewable energy is that as it is renewable it is therefore sustainable and so will never run out. Renewable energy facilities generally require less maintenance than traditional generators. Their fuel...
Other
Dupont: Make Your Own Water Turbine
Young scholars will create their own water turbine to demonstrate the use of water as a renewable energy source. Included is a detailed lesson plan, a video of the activity, and assessment questions.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Hydroelectric Power Study Guide
Review the main concepts of hydroelectric power with this review guide.
Read Works
Read Works: Fuels of the Future
[Free Registration/Login Required] Students read about renewable energy sources that may replace fossil fuel in the future. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in comparing and contrasting.
PBS
Pbs Kids: Cyberchase: Watts of Trouble
Power up rides in R-Fair City using renewable energy. Multi-level game.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Biodiesels: Converting Oil Into Clean Fuel
Experiment making biodiesel from different types of oil and determine which oils give the best result. This science fair project from Science Buddies, although in an abbreviated format compared to other Science Buddies experiments, gives...
Other
Seeds Foundation: Hydroelectricity
Have you ever tried to walk across a flowing stream? Have you ever watched a news report that showed cars and bridges being washed away by a flood? These experiences and events suggest the force of moving water, which provides a...
University of Wisconsin
The Why Files: Super Solar Cells
An understandable description of modern research that is currently being conducted to develop a more efficient photovoltaic (solar energy) cell. It also contains links to other pages on renewable energy sources.
Better Planet Productions
Earth Care: Toys for the Future [Pdf]
For this activity designed for Grade 8, students are given the hypothetical task of designing a new school playground area for the younger children. The space must highlight technological innovation and renewable or alternative energy use.
Climate Literacy
Clean: Solar Water Heater
Student teams design and build solar water heaters to capture energy in the form of solar radiation and convert it to thermal energy. Once the model devices are constructed, students perform efficiency calculations and compare designs.
Energy4Me
Energy4me: Hydropower
Learn the history of the use of hydroelectricity, and find out how it works to convert water power into electrical power.