ENERGY CURRICULUM Resources
General Sustainable Energy resources for studentS
Field Research Activities for Grades K-12
Overview to Field Research: Field Research is the collection of data and observations outside of a traditional laboratory, classroom, and workplace setting. These Field Research Activities provides the structure for students to learn more about what is going on in their local context (at home, at school, or in the community) for a specific environmental issue. To Complete a Field Research Activity, Select Your Grade Level Below:
Online Research Activities for Grades 6-12
Overview to WebQuests: WebQuests are a self-directed learning tool that helps learners construct their own learning by determining which sources are most useful. In a WebQuest the learner can:
Choose the Order: Learners can explore resources in any order that they want!
Choose the Length of Time for Learning: Learners might glance quickly through the content on one link and linger longer on another.
To learn more about energy related issues and topics utilize the Energy WebQuests:
sustainable Energy resources: Curriculum & Instruction
What curriculum and instruction resources are available for teaching about energy?
Elementary: K-5th Grade Resources
Eco Rise: EcoRise develops the next generation of creative problem solvers by enlivening conventional classrooms with academically-aligned K-12 curriculum that introduce students to environmental literacy, social innovation and hands-on design skills. Green professionals serve as guest speakers and project mentors to help students solve real-world sustainability challenges concerning energy, water, waste, transportation, air quality, food and public spaces.
PEAK - A Program of the Energy Coalition: PEAK is a comprehensive standards-based educational program designed to empower elementary and middle school students with the knowledge to manage energy use in their homes, schools and communities. Through hands-on learning, students are inspired to pursue green careers and motivate themselves and others to take action to create a more sustainable world.
SMCOOS Energy Watch: The Check-It-Out Home Energy and Water Saving Toolkit program provides free resources to help San Mateo County residents perform a basic assessment of the efficiency of their home energy and water use and to improve it where possible. Electronic version of the kit are also available, and kits can be checked out from the San Mateo County Office of Sustainability Library.
Teachers Pay Teachers: Contains free and paid original lesson plans and resources made by educators. Sustainability for Young Learners Courses has free lessons incorporating sustainability themes with NGSS.
4th grade: Renewable & Nonrenewable Energy Sources
SECONDARY: 6-12th Grade Resources
EPA: Generate - The Energy Game: Generate is an interactive game that allows students to explore energy choices and teaches the considerations and costs in deciding what type of energy generation to build.
Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE): Peninsula Clean Energy is a public, locally-controlled electricity provider for San Mateo County. They have developed a fantastic STEM resource that students can use to better understand energy use at home and at school. This resource can be used with a classroom or independently. Download packet HERE.
Energize Schools: Strategic Energy Innovations (SEI) has created a number of no-cost resources and supportive services including: sustainability project-based curriculum, instructional support in the classroom, field trips, instructional materials, and teacher trainings. They also have other curriculum resources available to browse and use.
SMCOOS Energy Watch: The Check-It-Out Home Energy and Water Saving Toolkit program provides free resources to help San Mateo County residents perform a basic assessment of the efficiency of their home energy and water use and to improve it where possible. Electronic version of the kit are also available, and kits can be checked out from the San Mateo County Office of Sustainability Library.