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.
US Department of Energy
U.s. Department of Energy: Water Power Program: Types of Hydropower Plants
Learn about the three types of hydroelectric power plants used to capture the energy from water at a hydropower dam site.
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: 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.
Carnegie Mellon University
Telstar: The Sun and Its Energy
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...
Carnegie Mellon University
The Sun and Its Energy
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...
Other
Physics World: Radioactive Decay Accounts for Half of Earth's Heat
Find out about the source of heat from the Earth's core. (Published 19 July 2011)
PBS
Pbs Online News Hour Extra: u.s. Economy's Troubles Hurt Alternative Energy Plans
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
State Energy Conservation Office-Texas
State Energy Conservation Office: Clean Energy From Texas Landfills [Pdf]
Explains what landfill gas is, some of its applications, and how Texas is harnessing it as a source of renewable energy.
State Energy Conservation Office-Texas
Seco: Biomass: Nature's Most Flexible Energy Resource [Pdf]
Sources of biomass fuel are described, ways it is used, and the economic opportunities available to Texas farmers and industries that produce biomass fuels.
Climate Literacy
Clean: How Much Energy Is on My Plate?
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...
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: The Rewards of Renewable Energy [Pdf]
The advantages of using renewable energy sources, such as the sun and the wind, are explained.
US Department of Energy
U.s. Department of Energy: Wind Program: How Does a Wind Turbine Work?
This animated illustration shows how a wind turbine can generate electricity for homes and communities.
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.
Other
Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Ctr.: Exploring Energy Transformations in Plants
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...
State Energy Conservation Office-Texas
State Energy Conservation Office: Renewable Energy and Electric Utilities [Pdf]
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...
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.
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...
Other
Dupont: Make Your Own Water Turbine
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.
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...
National Geographic
National Geographic: You Have the Power
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...
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...
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.