The quest for energy has always been a balancing act. As humans have gained greater control over their environment, they've found abundant resources - and faced numerous challenges. This article traces the history of our quest for energy.

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.

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.

Because of recession and the costs of gas on the decline, many worry that the search for new forms of energy will be put on hold. Read and discuss as a class these concerns. October 24, 2008

Explains what landfill gas is, some of its applications, and how Texas is harnessing it as a source of renewable energy.

Sources of biomass fuel are described, ways it is used, and the economic opportunities available to Texas farmers and industries that produce biomass fuels.

Using concept sketches, students study energy requirements of food production explain why different sources of food require different inputs of energy. They also investigate how variables like farming methods, processing methods and...

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.

The advantages of using renewable energy sources, such as the sun and the wind, are explained.

This animated illustration shows how a wind turbine can generate electricity for homes and communities.

Discusses the state of renewable energy production in Texas, which opened the market to competition, set minimum standards for the production of renewable energy, and established a system of Renewable Energy Credits. These factors...

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.

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...

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...

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...

A collection of inquiry-based and hands-on activities to introduce students to wind energy. Includes PowerPoints, labs, and videos.

Students are introduced to the concept of light pollution by investigating the nature, sources and levels of light in their classroom environment. They learn about the adverse effects of artificial light and the resulting consequences on...