Earth Savers Class Energy Lesson #1 11/5-11/12

By:

GradeLevel: K-2nd

Objective:  

• Introduce & develop an understanding of what energy is, what energy does and the different forms of energy.

Activity:

A.  Review

1. Facilitate discussion about energy. Highlight the fact that energy is the ability to do work or change. Many cars burn gasoline for energy, we use electricity to power our homes, and we may use natural gas in our stoves and ovens to cook. Brainstorm different ways we use energy in our daily lives. Be sure to discuss how individual items we use, such as pencils and paper, rely on fuel or energy to get manufactured. Gasoline powered the vehicles used to harvest wood, and the machines used to make pencils or process wood pulp for paper most likely relied on natural gas or electricity. Help children understand how we rely on sources of energy.

• Have students talk about different everyday items in our classroom or in thier homes that use energy.

1. View Brainpop Jr. video.

• Brainpop.com, brainpop jr, science, energy, energy sources
• Take “Easy Quiz” after movie (5 questions for class) OR ask review questions appropriate for age level.

1. Use your favorite book on Energy to read to the class
2. Use Energy flashcards to review the different forms of energy
   1. Make your own or use flashcard file on T Drive.  Flashcards should review the different forms of energy: Wood, Sun, Wind, Electricity, Food, Gasoline.
   2. We will make a windmill for lesson #2, reviewing the different forms.

Grade Level: 3rd - 5th  

Objective:

• To build student awareness of their own energy consumption.Suggest ways to make the school and their
  homes more energy-efficient and how to conserve energy.

Activity:

1. Review
   1. Brainstorm different ways to conserve,or save, energy at home or at school. For example, children can turn off the lights when they are not needed, open windows to cool off instead of running energy-draining fans and air conditioners, or put on an extra sweater to stay warm instead of turning up the thermostat. To save fossil fuels, children can use public transportation or carpools, or they can ride their bikes or walk to where they need to go. Even cutting down a few trips in the car contributes to a cleaner environment. Each of us can also make smarter decisions when we buy items. We can choose to purchase things made from recycled materials or items
      that have less wasteful packaging, since packaging takes a considerable amount of water and energy to manufacture. There are plenty of ways we can all be more responsible global citizens.
   2. Brainstorm different ways and share tips with each other.
   3. Show Energy Powerpoint (on T drive).  Follow discussion questions on slides.
   4. In reference to slide #10, focus on how Solar Energy can help us be more energy-efficient.
   5. Start Solar Energy project.  There are a few options to make this age appropriate/cost effective.
      1. This first page gives you age appropriate projects.  

http://www.green-planet-solar-energy.com/solar-energy-education.html

1. This one is the solar oven idea, but with the sun instead of a lamp.  This would require a super sunny day though

http://desertchicaramblings.com/2012/08/diy-solar-oven-smores-kids-science-experiment/

1. "Solar Energy Fun in the Sun" pdf on T drive.  More solar activities with age appropriate directions. We will finish the project for lesson # 2.