- Category:
Energy Choice - Published:
April 6, 2020 - Updated:
March 28, 2022
Lesson Plan: Energy Basics and Energy Sources
This lesson aims to introduce energy, helps to identify how we use energy, and begins to look closer at what renewable and nonrenewable sources of energy we use in the United States.
For each suggested grade band, you’ll see some quick text for reading as well as a worksheet or link to interactive worksheets. For all four grade bands, there will be one challenge/hands-on activity to complete that supports the theme of the content. These hands-on pieces can absolutely be completed as a family or with multiple students of various grades. We also have listed links to additional content. If your student is advanced, or needs more support, feel free to scale up or down within the levels, or encourage them to complete multiple activities from the different levels.
Looking for more home energy activities? We’re pleased to work with The National Energy Education Development Project (NEED), to deliver these fun activities. Be sure to check out their library of resources, and their specialized collection of energy-themed distance/at-home learning activities. All activities are totally free for use at home or school, and accessible by visiting their website, www.NEED.org.
- Background reading: Primary Energy Infobook, Intro to Energy
*Primary reading is structured with the student reader page first, and the teacher/adult page second. Younger or less advanced readers can read along with the student pages, and the teacher pages may be read aloud to them. Advanced readers may be able to read most on their own.
- Interactive worksheets:
- Background reading: Wonders of Wind, Intro to Energy
- Interactive worksheet
- Background reading: Intermediate Energy Infobook, Intro to Energy
- Printable worksheet: Intermediate Energy Infobook Activities, Energy Source Pizza Party
- Background reading: Secondary Energy Infobook, Intro to Energy
- Interactive worksheet
- Candy Collector will help students develop a more thorough understanding of the meaning of the terms “renewable” and “nonrenewable” and how they apply to energy sources. This fun activity can get a little silly! Be sure to be mindful of spacing and complete the activity individually if germ control is a top priority in your learning environment!
Additional support links:
- https://switchon.org/ (Free signup for all video clips)
- https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/
- https://www.eia.gov/kids/
Spring Lesson Plans:
- Lesson Plan 2: Electricity and Electricity Generation
- Lesson Plan 3: Conservation at Home
- Lesson Plan 4: Wind and Natural Gas
- Lesson Plan 5: Solar Energy
- Lesson Plan 6: Understanding Your Electricity Bill
- Lesson Plan 7: Measuring Your Electricity Consumption
- Lesson Plan 8: Lighting and Appliances
Fall Lesson Plans:
- Lesson Plan 1: Biomass
- Lesson Plan 2: Hydropower
- Lesson Plan 3: Water Conservation
- Lesson Plan 4: Climate Change and Energy Conservation
- Lesson Plan 5: Heating and Cooling
