Focus: This is a Problem-Based Learning unit in which students build to a capstone lesson and a presentation to the public.
In this unit, students focus on renewable and nonrenewable resources. They study how people use resources for energy. In addition, they examine the engineering design behind new technologies that protect the environment.
The energy we use is derived ultimately from Earth’s natural resources, which can be classified as either nonrenewable or renewable.
Renewable energy sources include:
- Wind
- Hydroelectric
- Solar
- Geothermal
- Tidal
Nonrenewable energy sources include:
- Fossil fuels
- Nuclear
Students learn examples of how unwise use of resources can damage the air, land, and water around us. Then they examine how, on the individual level, they can do many things to protect the environment while using energy society needs.
Number of Lessons: 17
Lesson Time: 30–45 minutes daily. Each lesson may be divided into shorter segments.
Please note that certain lessons in this unit are designed for multiple days, resulting in approximately 21 days of instruction. For more information, please refer to the recommended Pacing Guide within the Teacher Guide.
Additional Search Terms:
cost-benefit analysis • renewable energy resource • nonrenewable energy resource • fossil fuel • oil • petroleum • greenhouse gas • nuclear energy • nuclear waste • wind farm • hydroelectric power • solar power • solar cell • geothermal energy • fuel cell • nonfiction • informational text
CKSci Grade Levels: CKSci units are correlated to topics at the grade levels specified in the K–5 Core Knowledge Science Sequence.
