Students examine how to convert sunlight to electricity.  In this renewable energy sources lesson students explain how solar cells are used and use a voltmeter to measure the energy produced by a solar panel.

Students research the cost of energy waste. For this resources and energy lesson, students study statistics on the use of plastic bags and calculate the cost of making plastic bags. Students investigate how they can save natural...

This demonstration of solar ponds can be used in an earth, environmental, or physical science setting. Lab groups set up a solar pond and model how it is able, due to a salt concentration gradient, to maintain heat for future use. 

Illuminated physics stars show what they know about light by taking this exam. They match several related vocabulary terms to descriptions and answer multiple choice questions about the characteristics of light, magnification, and...

First graders identify the sun as a source of heat and light. They identify features of houses that help keep use sheltered and comfortable throughout daily and seasonal cycles. Students are told that summer is the best season to...

Students calculate the amount of electrical energy used in a week in food units. They create ways to reduce energy use. Students discuss the different forms and sources of energy. They discuss how people use electrical energy to power...

First graders discover how animals depend on other animals for energy. They identify sources of energy in their daily life and describes the actions of nightime and daytime animals. They list sources of food and shelter for specific...

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...

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...

Students study the different transportation fuels.  In this energy sources lesson students debate the merits of their fuel over others while working together in groups.

Students explore the many different food chains. They participate in a game in which the class is divided into the different parts of the food chain.

Math and science meet in this lesson on hybrid electric automobiles. This 24-page resource provides everything you need for teaching a lesson that compares the use of internal combustion engines to hybrid electric engines. Participants...

Unlock the mystery behind seasonal change with a collection of worksheets and activities. Whether they are drawing pictures of Earth's orbit around the sun or graphing the temperature and daylight hours of different locations...

Students examine energy, where it comes from and the different fuels that are used.  For this energy lesson students design an energy infrastructure using a renewable energy source. 

It's a gas. Middle schoolers build a biogas generator following the directions in this resource. After a few days of observation, they demonstrate that the gas given off by the decomposing manure is flammable. The activity concludes as...

The role of fat as a nutrient that provides a source of concentrated energy and is also necessary for the body to utilize other nutrients, namely some important vitamins.

Learners differentiate between renewable and non-renewable resources and identify the different forms of energy and list the advantages or disadvantages of different forms of energy. They also determine the benefits as well as the...

Rise and shine! Class members collaborate to construct a photovoltaic solar cell with two semiconductor layers, as guided by this fabulous lab sheet. They test its output with an ammeter or galvanometer. 

Students investigate solar energy. They explore ways that energy from the sun can be turned into energy that humans can use in our everyday lives. In various experiments, they explore the effect of clouds and dust on photovoltaic energy...

After challenging themselves to correctly choose the form of erosion and length of time required for a given landform to develop, earth science class members model mechanical and chemical weathering with various lab demonstrations over...

Sixth graders explore potential and kinetic energy. In this science lesson plan, 6th graders assume the role of a roller coaster engineer and design a roller coaster. Students use their knowledge of kinetic and potential energy to design...

Students explore the rebound of balls. In this energy conversion lesson plan, students explore the physics behind the rebound of various types of sports balls. Through the experimental design process using balloons, students investigate...

Young engineers are instructed to design and build their own solar water heaters. Then, they calculate the efficiency and cost and compare them to commercially available models. This is a full unit for pupils to apply their knowledge.

Students examine their understandings about energy concepts by completing an online survey. Students participate in a class discussion about their uses of resources and the differences between perpetual, renewable, and nonrenewable...