Lesson Plan: Renewable versus Non-Renewable Energy (3-5)

Grades 3 to 5 Objective To allow students to research and discover the uses of alternative energies in the hunt for renewable resources to power the human community by researching an energy source and uses for that source. Things to Keep in Mind This lesson will contrast the past with the future.  Consider setting up a contrast using handouts, or going briefly over some of the differences between the way Americans thought about energy use now as opposed to fifty years ago.  The fundamental idea driving the students’ research will be the need to think more critically about how we use electrical power and other resources today. Reading Up Beforehand The instructor can set up basic comparisons for students, or have them develop their own contrasts through reading.  Handouts could feature statistics on energy use per household, supply and demand curves, or information on how energy use changed over the last half of the 20th century. In groups, students can begin to form their own ideas using questions like these: How did our nation develop its energy use policies over the last fifty years? Why should we look for alternative energy solutions for America’s energy grid? What kinds of new sources might be good candidates for harvesting energy? Student Research After students have answered the third question, assign each group a specific energy source: Wind Solar Biomass Hydropower Also include the “human power” factor, with examples like bicycling, as a side point. Students can research their assigned energy source and uses in groups over time.  Let students work out of class for several days before presenting a 20-minute session on their energy source showing the class. Ask students to focus their presentations on the following: pointing out the potential energy value range of their source (as compared to conventional coal or nuclear power) talk about any examples of the energy source now available on or off of the energy grid develop theories on how the energy source could be utilized more in the future Direct students to information on energy sources by state, and mention briefly how energy supply works from a market perspective.  Students will need this understanding to talk about realistically implementing their assigned energy sources. Follow Up As a hands on activity to follow, students can design their own small wind or water powered machine to see first hand how these kinds of energy can be generated.