The Sun’s Joules CD-ROM and the School Energy Doctor, 2000

Topic: Renewable Energy

Source:  Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology (CREST), with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and technical support from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Web address: http://www.nrel.gov/clean_energy/teach_pv.html

Grade Levels:  9-12

Learning Strategies:  Project-based learning, interdisciplinary; multimedia; case studies; real-world application.

Frameworks Connections:

Science and Technology/Engineering

• Earth and Space Science, Grades 9-10

1. Matter and Energy in the Earth System
2. The Earth’s Sources of Energy

• Physical Sciences, Grades 6-8

Heat Energy

Cost:  $39.50 (one set)- $499.50 (class set, 25)
Ordered through The Learning Team, http://www.learningteam.org/htmls/ordering.html

Description: The Sun’s Joules is a CD-ROM that mixes interactive exercises, videos, photographs, and text to provide a comprehensive encyclopedia on renewable energy.  Topics covered include:

• biomass
• geothermal energy
• photovoltaics
• solar thermal energy
• wind power
• hydropower
• passive solar buildings
• transportation
• economics
• the environment

Among the materials within the CD-ROM, there state by state profiles of energy use, a glossary, an index section, and a spreadsheet that allows students to complete an energy audit of their own schools.  There is also a teacher’s guide on the concepts covered by the program.