Texas State Energy Conservation Office
Investigation: Waves and Whistles
Wave goodbye to the same old demonstrations for alternative energy sources, and wave hello to this one investigating ocean waves! Using a water bottle to create an oscillating water column, learners see and possibly hear how the...
Curated OER
Fuel Cell Experimentation
With rising oil prices and increasing concerns over global warming, the pressure is on for engineers to develop alternative sources of energy. Among the new technologies being developed are hydrogen fuel cells, which young scientists...
Curated OER
The Influence of Human Activity on the Environment
The surge in human population in the last 2,000 years, due in large part to better health care, has brought a surge in the demand for resources and in pollution. The graphics, photographs, and real-life examples in a thought-provoking...
Curated OER
The Biofuel Project: Creating Biodiesel
Students research about the processing of biodiesel fuels. In this energy instructional activity, students produce their own biodiesel using used and new vegetable oil. They discuss the environmental and economic benefits of using...
Curated OER
Cartoons in the Classroom: Conserve or Drill
To drill or to conserve? This question is the foundation of the political cartoons up for critical analysis in this well-composed worksheet. Learners will analyze two cartoons guided by background information and excellent questions for...
Curated OER
Energy and Cars: What Does the Future Hold?
Students examine alternative energy. In this research based instructional activity, students study alternative energy and how it will influence transportation in the future. They will write a report and give an oral presentation of their...
Curated OER
Energy Alternatives: Nature offers a solution
Students describe the pros and cons of different energy sources. In this earth science lesson, students respond to survey questions and discuss each other's opinion about the issue. They research an energy source of their choice and...
Curated OER
World Without Oil
Students discover the world of fossil fuels and oil shortages. In this world economy lesson, students read articles on the Internet discussing the world's dependence on oil and the possibility of an extended oil shortage....
Curated OER
Hydrogen Powered Cars
Students apply the principles of chemistry to investigate the concept of how a hydrogen powered car works. They study the electrochemical reactions that provide the energy source. Students also record observations in the functioning of a...
Curated OER
Researching Alternative Energy
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...
eSchool Today
E School Today: Renewable Energy Sources
Learn what renewable energy is, the different types, and why it's important to conserve energy.
American Institute of Biological Sciences
Action Bioscience: Rethinking Fossil Fuels
Find out how fossil fuels impact the environment and cause climate change.
PBS
Kqed: Quest: How Nuclear Reactors Work
This interactive explorer allows students to click on a hot spot on the image and learn more about how nuclear reactors work.
State Energy Conservation Office-Texas
State Energy Conservation Office: Rural Renewable Applications [Pdf]
Looks at ways that renewable energy resources and systems have been used in the past, and continue to be developed today, in agriculture and on agricultural land.
State Energy Conservation Office-Texas
State Energy Conservation Office: Renewable Energy Guide for Buildings [Pdf]
A basic guide for ways to be more energy-efficient and to use more renewable energy sources in a building. These include methods of reducing heat or cool air loss, ways of harnessing solar energy, and using the wind for ventilation.
State Energy Conservation Office-Texas
State Energy Conservation Office: Solar and Electric Cars [Pdf]
Learn the differences between cars powered by different fuels. Looks at solar, electric, hybrid and gasoline-powered cars.
State Energy Conservation Office-Texas
State Energy Conservation Office: Electricity From the Sun [Pdf]
Discusses forms of renewable energy that rely on the sun. For example, wind is created when solar energy heats the air, and biomass is solar energy that has been stored in plants.
State Energy Conservation Office-Texas
State Energy Conservation Office: Renewable Energy for the Home [Pdf]
Discusses different ways to heat and cool a home, and perform a variety of tasks, using renewable energy sources. Examples include window shades, a solar water heater, solar-powered toys, etc.
State Energy Conservation Office-Texas
State Energy Conservation Office: Energy Sources: Fuels From Biomass: Biodiesel
Discusses biodiesel fuel production and the benefits that this renewable energy resource has for the environment and the economy.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Mn Step: Researching, Constructing, and Testing (Student Made) Solar Ovens
For this science investigation, students will research models of solar ovens, choose one design, and create it. Once built, they will test it outside and record the internal temperature at intervals. Next, they are to change on variable...
Cynthia J. O'Hora
Mrs. O's House: Clean Coal Technology
There is a debate on the table discussing whether clean coal is a viable source of energy or not. Understand the opposing views and decide what side of the table you fall on. Extension resources and activities are provided.
Other
Kid Wind Project: Teacher Resources
A collection of inquiry-based and hands-on activities to introduce students to wind energy. Includes PowerPoints, labs, and videos.
US Department of Energy
U.s. Department of Energy: Geothermal Technologies: Enhanced Geothermal System
Through both an interactive animation and a short video, learn about the enhanced geothermal system as a means to utilize the Earth's heat as an energy source for our electricity needs.
State Energy Conservation Office-Texas
State Energy Conservation Office: Generating Electricity With Biomass
Discusses the overall picture of biomass use as a source of renewable energy in the United States. Five methods of generating electricity from biomass are described.