Careful, that light bulb is hot! Compare heat and light energy using a simple light bulb. The exercise addresses energy conservation and presents actual calculations to determine the most cost-effective light bulb.

Microbiology beginners feed different sweetening agents to yeast and measure carbon dioxide production to estimate energy contained in each. They set the trials up in zip-top plastic baggies and then measure gas volume by water...

Do not let friction drag you down! The 11th segment in a series of 22 focuses on the fourth force acting upon an airplane—drag. Pupils learn about the effects and causes of drag.

Following this procedure, eager engineers construct a working model of a piston system, similar to that in an internal combustion engine. Perfect for STEM or automotive technology classes, the activity comes complete with analysis and...

Use a container full of water as a prism and show that as light is bent, the individual colors from different wavelengths become visible. This explains why the sky appears to be blue midday, and why as the sun nears the horizon, it looks...

If the world were 100 people...17 would not have access to safe drinking water, 18 would not be able to read or write, and 52 would not have a primary education. Using the theme of "100 people," this resource explores other major issues...

Students identify the major sources of greenhouse gas emissions while recognizing links between energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. they Review U.S. policy efforts to cooperate internationally to combat climate change.

Students explore the ways that engineers study and harness the wind. They study the different kinds of winds and how to measure wind direction. In addition, students learn how air pressure creates winds and how engineers build and test...

Students discover the world of fossil fuels and oil shortages.  In this world economy lesson, students read articles on the Internet discussing the world's dependence on oil and the possibility of an extended oil shortage....

Students apply the principles of chemistry to investigate the concept of how a hydrogen powered car works. They study the electrochemical reactions that provide the energy source. Students also record observations in the functioning of a...

High schoolers experiment with a virtual solar cooker to discover the mathematical relationship among reflection, transmission and absorption. Then they actually build and test a solar cooker of their own invention.

Students share their knowledge about fuel sources, then read a news article about vegetable oil as a cleaner alternative to gasoline. In this current events and environmental science lesson plan, the teacher introduces the article with a...

Students simulate animals in a food chain. In this food chain lesson plan, students are identified as grasshoppers, frogs or hawks. Popcorn is spread across a lawn and students are given baggies (stomachs) and colored sashes to identify...

Students investigate the transmission of light energy. In this light energy lesson, students observe bubbles using different colored filters and record their observations. They also look at a light source through various materials and...

Young scholars discuss energy and where they can find it. They will then discuss the sun and how it functions as an energy source. Next, students get a piece of black paper and some coins. They go outside and make a design with the coins...

Students investigate a scenario involving the efficient use of wind power. They are challenged to ten grams of cargo a specified distance using only wind power.

Students examine current school energy use and focus on energy saving measures that could be implemented. In this energy lesson, students are also encouraged to raise awareness of energy saving practices and behaviors throughout the...

Sixth graders explore the many uses of corn as a renewable source. In this biodegradable resource activity, 6th graders investigate how corn is used in manufacturing and as a fuel. Students construct a piece of homemade plastic using...

Knowing the temperature coefficient allows for the calculation of voltage output at any temperature. Groups conduct an experiment to determine the effects of temperature on the power output of a solar panel. The teams alter the...

Third graders view photos of machines that measure wind energy and chart what they observe in the pictures and the questions they have about the pictures.  In this wind energy lesson, 3rd graders make a pinwheel.  Students show...

Young scholars identify that yeast are a single celled fungi that are a great model organism for studying respiration in the classroom. They also fill the bulb of a disposable pipet (eyedropper) with yeast, then submerge the pipet in a...

Grain products are staple foods and sources of simple and complex carbohydrates that provide energy for the body. Define simple and complex carbohydrates Identify function and sources of simple and complex carbohydrates Describe how...

Use this multidisciplinary lesson to delve into these subjects: English language arts, math, science, drama, and character education. After reading, discussing, and making interpretations about Go To Sleep, Gecko!: A Balinese...

Don't melt away! Pairs investigate different insulation materials to determine which one is better than the others. Using a low-temp heat plate, the teams insulate an ice cube from the heat source with a variety of substances. They...