Energy Sources, 1995

Topic:  Energy Sources in our Everyday Lives

Source:  The National Wildlife Federation's Animal Tracks Activity Guide for Educators

Web address: http://www.ase.org/uploaded_files/educatorlessonplans/energysources.pdf

Grade Levels:  4-6

Learning Strategies:  Discussion, reading comprehension, investigation, observation

Frameworks Connections:

Science and Technology/Engineering

• Life Sciences, Grades 3-5

  Energy and Living Things

• Life Sciences, Grades 6-8

  Living Things in their Environment
  Changes in Ecosystems Over Time

Cost:  Free

Description: This investigation educates students on a breadth of energy sources.  Students begin as a class by reviewing terms associated with the sources of energy.  Breaking into groups, students then prepare research reports on energy sources of their choice and present their research findings to the rest of the class.  Examples of these energy sources can include food, fossil fuels, and nuclear power.  

In addition to reviewing energy vocabulary and completing reports, students are encouraged to conduct library research and develop their communication skills through writing and presentations on the information they have found.  An option to extend the activity in a reflective writing assignment to assess student reasoning skills as a result of their research findings is also included.