For each of eight diagrams of objects in motion, physics masters draw pie charts to depict the changes in energy. For each they must identify the energy conditions at each position. This is a unique worksheet, perfect for assessing how...

An interesting series of puzzles and word games are available in this multi-page collection, which focuses on coal. Learners practice math and language arts skills as they solve the puzzles, and learn many facts about coal at the same time.

In this energy and matter worksheet, students define 28 terms related to moles, matter, energy, the Law of Conservation of Energy, mass, properties of matter and states of matter.

Pupils, using the Internet to research the different types of energy that people use, prepare a slideshow presentation with their research.

Students use cardboard and aluminum foil to construct a solar oven that concentrates enough sunlight to cook a hotdog. They review the history and use of solar energy in relation to the Olympics.

Consider biomass as an alternative energy source with this PowerPoint. Environmental science pupils discover the potential of converting gases produced by landfills into useful energy. They compare and contrast environmental and economic...

Middle school scientists construct a working water wheel from an aluminum pie pan. Because of the sharp edges on the cut aluminum, this activity is for mature learners only. You could have your class compete to see whose wheel can lift...

Students discuss the methods of energy transfer. In this energy transfer lesson, students use ice to demonstrate what happens when energy is transferred. Students complete a Science Journal page as an assessment.

Amateurs of alternative energy build a mini parabolic-trough solar energy collector and use it to heat water. Temperature is recorded over a three-minute period and the data is graphed and analyzed. Note that in order to paint aquarium...

Heat-sensitive liquid crystal sheets are available in a variety of sizes and temperature ranges. Purchase a class set of hand-held sheets and color half of each with a silver permanent marking pen. Learners of light can hold them under a...

Biotechnology pros produce their own biofuel using waste oil and fresh vegetable oil. They test the quality of their product using titration techniques and pH analysis. They write their observations and report their findings. Be aware...

Upper graders form a "Presidential Task Force," and attempt to make recommendations concerning the future of the national power grid. After a teacher-led discussion which proves that our nation's energy consumption will soon outpace our...

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...

Investigate the prospect of wind as a renewable resource. Second and third graders make a pinwheel, answer critical thinking questions, and then attempt to use wind power to wind string. I would be more apt to use this lesson in a 1st or...

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...

A key challenge in teaching kids how to read informational text, particularly primary source documents, is finding suitable resources and then developing questions that guide readers. Never fear, help is here in the form of a series...

Youngsters read text about an environmentally-friendly car. They try to figure out the meaning of the vocabulary in the text and discuss issues related to alternative energy sources. This thoughtful, well-designed plan has all the...

If you have solar car kits for your junior high schoolers, they can experiment with photovoltaic cell angle, light intensity, and aerodynamic design to discover what makes their car move more quickly. This is a classic activity to use...

Students explore the interconnectedness of living things in an ecosystem. They use pictures and arrows to develop a food web, and participate in constructing a class food web with students representing various parts of the web.

First graders study heat and light and how they come from various sources. They list sources of heat and light and identify the different energy sources as heat, light, or both heat and light.

Students read and understand the importance of energy sources.  In this Renewable and nonrenewable lesson, students read an article to become familiar with the uses of energy.  Students read an article and answer questions...

Students are introduced to how the sun is used to heat water.  For this solar lesson students identify the different types of solar water heating and demonstrate how it works.

Young scholars explore photovoltaic systems. In this alternative energy lesson, students calculate solar panel efficiency and convert devices to solar energy using photovoltaic cells.

Students study electricity. In this physics lesson plan, students review electrical energy by discussing three ways of generating it. Students explore various energy sources used for creating electricity and examine how different states...