How does your lifestyle measure up in terms of your ecological footprint? Young ecologists examine their impact on the planet using an insightful online calculator. A short quiz asks users to rank the size of their homes, their energy...

Physical science scholars discover an array of heat sources. They experiment to connect radiation to heat. They begin to understand thermal equilibrium. Then, they test to see if mass affects the rate of temperature change. Choose a few,...

Attracted class members to an activity-packed journey through the science behind the invisible forces at work all around us. From jump rope generators to junkyard wars, there's never a dull moment when eighth grade physics scholars...

Introduce your young meteorologists to black carbon produced by the burning of fossil fuels by showing the video, "Changing Planet: Black Carbon." Viewers discover that deposition of this carbon on polar ice impacts the absorption of...

Sixth graders investigate the concept of energy using a hypothetical story. The power goes out in their house and they no longer can play your videogames. Students must create your own alternative power source. This story sets the stage...

More than a week's worth of investigation is provided in this source. Physical science stars experiment to describe specific heat, conduction, convection, and radiation. They also discover the relationship between mechanical and thermal...

Scholars learn about a series of three challenges when they design a bus system for a small town. They determine the bus routes and then figure out the best type of fuel to use before considering the cost of going electric. Learners...

Using helium as an example of propane, physical science middle schoolers experiment with and graph the relationship between temperature and volume in gases. In a whole-class demonstration, they show how molecules behave under different...

Seventh graders, after defining/brainstorm the task, divide up into groups and are assigned to an alternative energy source (wind, solar, or water) to research. They complete a presentation with visuals on their findings from their...

Learners consider the positive and negative aspects of alternative energy.  In this physical science instructional activity, students consider the sources of energy they use everyday.  Learners compare alternative sources of...

In this electricity worksheet, students review the different types of energy sources including fossil fuels, solar, wind, and nuclear energy. This worksheet has 10 fill in the blank questions.

In this alternative energy worksheet, 6th graders read and study the varying types of fuel.  Students read examples and ways that alternative fuel can be used.

Students use a selection of solar panels, lamps, motors, and an AA battery to get as many motors or lights to operate as they can in an allotted time period. For each successful arrangement, they draw a diagram of their setup, label the...

Students research renewable fuels. In this alternative energy lesson, students compile information and create a comparison chart on renewable resources. This lesson includes additional suggested readings, vocabulary, and a Biomass...

Students complete a scavenger hunt. In this energy lesson, students use various Internet websites to explore forms of energy, non-renewable sources, renewable sources, electricity, uses of energy and energy efficiency.

Students identify and describe the different types of energy and how it is transferred.  In this energy lesson students complete several activities including how to calculate joules, adding up wattage, and create a presentation on...

In this conservation of energy worksheet, learners read about the law of conservation of energy and about energy distribution. They answer three critical thinking questions about what the law of conservation of energy means to us for...

Fifth graders investigate energy. In this biology lesson plan, 5th graders will learn about energy, fossil fuels, and renewable and nonrenewable resources. Students will be participating in three lab activities which are described in...

Fifth graders create their own solar panel. They use this experiment to see how the sun can be used as a form of energy.

Students explore energy conservation. In this environmental lesson plan, students will look at data showing the amounts of energy used, our carbon footprint, and will research a power source. This unit allows for a deeper understanding...

In this energy activity, students explore different ways to conserve energy. They write a short description for each of the 10 methods presented.

High schoolers participate in a instructional activity that looks at the potential for energy from sunlight. Students conduct research from a variety of resources and construct an object that is used to measure the energy of sunlight and...

In this solar energy worksheet, students read about the uses of solar energy, the benefits and the costs. They answer four critical thinking questions about solar energy.

Students explore how energy transforms into heat.  In this energy lesson students create models and find a need for fuel to make a Stirling engine.