Research Projects in Renewable Energy for High School Students
Topics: Biofuels, Wind, and Solar Energy
Source: U.S. Department of Energy, National Renewable Energy Laboratory Education Programs, University of Northern Colorado
Web address:http://www.nrel.gov/docs/gen/fy01/30926.pdf
Grade Levels: 9-12
Learning Strategies: Project-based learning
Frameworks Connections:
Science and Technology/Engineering
- Physics, Grade 9 or 10
2. Conservation of Energy and Momentum
- Earth and Space Science, Grade 9 or 10
- Biology, Grades 9-10
6.Ecology
- Technology/Engineering, Grade 9 or 10
4. Energy and Power Technologies – Thermal Systems
1.Matter and Energy in the Earth System
2.The Earth’s Sources of Energy
Cost: Free
Description: The NREL Education Office created this student booklet to cover the topics of biofuels, wind and solar energy. The booklet recommends that students first investigate their energy background with the pre-test What’s your energy quotient?, complete some background reading on energy before beginning their project, and review “How to do a Science Project” for ideas on how to take notes and proceed through their projects of choice. S tudents then execute a project and keep a research notebook to enable them to share results with their peers in a presentation format. Each project includes references, topic suggestions, and, in some cases, lists of materials, cautionary tactics, and equipment. There are many choices for projects, and with a clear, guided instruction manual, the activities would be beneficial in the classroom.
The real-world experience students gain from their research is intended to encourage further interest in these topics, and the process skills students accumulate can be integrated into everyday science lifestyles.