2.8 The Story of Renewable Energy
This is Lesson 8 (Renewable Energy unit) from the National FFA “Grow Your PALS” mentoring program guide, designed as a large-group mentor-led lesson. After reading Dr. Seuss’s “The Lorax,” students identify who uses renewable energy by guessing the energy source in five short stories, then design a model home incorporating renewable energy sources through a kinesthetic “Go-Get-It” activity. The lesson teaches five renewable energy sources—biomass, water (hydropower), geothermal, wind, and solar—and how they can be used in homes.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
-
- Identify who utilizes renewable energy in five different ways.
- Identify four ways renewable energy can be put to use in homes.
- Time required
- 45 minutes
- Materials
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- copy of Dr. Seuss' "The Lorax"
- writing surface
- PALS.8.AS.A – 1 per student
- PALS.8.TM.A – 1 per mentor/group
- PALS.8.AS.C – 1 per each small group, on different colors of paper, cut into pieces and placed throughout the room before the lesson
- PALS.8.AS.D – 1 per small group
- PALS.8.TM.A — transparency copy
- tape (enough for each small group in Objective 2)
- scissors
- overhead projector or LCD projector
- Precepts
- F. Continuous Improvement — F5. Acquire new knowledge; J. Mental Growth — J1. Think critically
- Lesson Type
- Large Group
- Unit
- Renewable Energy
- Key Terms
- renewable energy, biomass, water, geothermal, wind, solar
- Resources
- Energy Kid's Page – Energy Information Administration (http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/renewable/renewable.html); Alliant Energy Kids (http://www.alliantenergykids.com/stellent2/groups/public/documents/pub/phk_ee_re_001501.hcsp)
Downloads & Links
Aligned Standards
National Standards
- NL-ENG.K-12.3Evaluation Strategies — Students apply a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts.
- NSS-EC.K-4.1Productive Resources