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Interactive
US Department of Energy

U.s. Department of Energy: Geothermal Technologies: Enhanced Geothermal System

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Activity
US Department of Energy

U.s. Department of Energy: Water Power Program: Types of Hydropower Plants

For Students 9th - 10th
Learn about the three types of hydroelectric power plants used to capture the energy from water at a hydropower dam site.
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Handout
State Energy Conservation Office-Texas

State Energy Conservation Office: Renewable Energy for the Home [Pdf]

For Students 4th - 6th
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.
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Handout
State Energy Conservation Office-Texas

State Energy Conservation Office: Electricity From the Sun [Pdf]

For Students 4th - 6th
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.
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Article
Carnegie Mellon University

Telstar: The Sun and Its Energy

For Students 9th - 10th
The sun's energy is the primary source of energy for all surface phenomena and life on Earth. Combined with the material of the Earth (including the molecules held close by the Earth's gravitational force called the atmosphere), this...
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Article
Carnegie Mellon University

The Sun and Its Energy

For Students 9th - 10th
The sun's energy is the primary source of energy for all surface phenomena and life on Earth. Combined with the material of the Earth (including the molecules held close by the Earth's gravitational force called the atmosphere), this...
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Article
Other

Physics World: Radioactive Decay Accounts for Half of Earth's Heat

For Students 9th - 10th
Find out about the source of heat from the Earth's core. (Published 19 July 2011)
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Article
PBS

Pbs Online News Hour Extra: u.s. Economy's Troubles Hurt Alternative Energy Plans

For Students 9th - 10th
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
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Handout
State Energy Conservation Office-Texas

State Energy Conservation Office: Clean Energy From Texas Landfills [Pdf]

For Students 4th - 8th
Explains what landfill gas is, some of its applications, and how Texas is harnessing it as a source of renewable energy.
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Handout
State Energy Conservation Office-Texas

Seco: Biomass: Nature's Most Flexible Energy Resource [Pdf]

For Students 4th - 8th
Sources of biomass fuel are described, ways it is used, and the economic opportunities available to Texas farmers and industries that produce biomass fuels.
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Lesson Plan
Climate Literacy

Clean: How Much Energy Is on My Plate?

For Teachers 9th - 10th
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...
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Handout
State Energy Conservation Office-Texas

State Energy Conservation Office: Renewable Energy Guide for Buildings [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Handout
State Energy Conservation Office-Texas

State Energy Conservation Office: The Rewards of Renewable Energy [Pdf]

For Students 4th - 6th
The advantages of using renewable energy sources, such as the sun and the wind, are explained.
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Graphic
US Department of Energy

U.s. Department of Energy: Wind Program: How Does a Wind Turbine Work?

For Students 9th - 10th
This animated illustration shows how a wind turbine can generate electricity for homes and communities.
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Handout
State Energy Conservation Office-Texas

State Energy Conservation Office: Generating Electricity With Biomass

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Lesson Plan
Other

Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Ctr.: Exploring Energy Transformations in Plants

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This set of lessons has students investigate how plants obtain energy from different sources to support their growth and development. Students conduct investigations, make predictions, and construct scientific explanations of the...
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Handout
State Energy Conservation Office-Texas

State Energy Conservation Office: Renewable Energy and Electric Utilities [Pdf]

For Students 9th - 10th
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...
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Lesson Plan
Cynthia J. O'Hora

Mrs. O's House: Clean Coal Technology

For Teachers 9th - 10th
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.
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Activity
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Power Your House With Wind

For Teachers 9th - 10th
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...
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Lesson Plan
Other

Dupont: Make Your Own Water Turbine

For Teachers 4th - 5th
Learners 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.
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Lesson Plan
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College

Serc: Mn Step: Researching, Constructing, and Testing (Student Made) Solar Ovens

For Teachers 6th - 8th
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...
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Interactive
National Geographic

National Geographic: You Have the Power

For Students 9th - 10th
What factors are important to consider in order to make informed energy decisions? In this interactive, you select one of three locations and the energy resources and then try to provide 100% of that community's electricity needs while...
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Unit Plan
Georgia Department of Education

Ga Virtual Learning: Geology Resources

For Students 9th - 10th
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...
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Activity
Other

Kid Wind Project: Teacher Resources

For Teachers 9th - 10th
A collection of inquiry-based and hands-on activities to introduce students to wind energy. Includes PowerPoints, labs, and videos.