The Energy Energy: A Multidisciplinary Approach for Teachers (EMAT)
Energy: A Multidisciplinary Approach for Teachers (EMAT) is an online course for high school science teachers. We developed it for teachers, but it’s chock full of resources that teachers might use with high school students.
Energy ideas are fundamental to all areas of science. Our goal is to help teachers learn more about energy ideas and, in turn, help their students understand energy, too. When our kids understand key energy concepts, they will be better prepared to actively participate as citizens in making energy decisions as part of our rapidly changing economy.
BSCS developed the EMAT course in collaboration with Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB), the National Teachers Enhancement Network (NTEN) of Montana State University, the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), and the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC).
Register with the Rise learning management system (it’s free) and then choose EMAT from the course catalog.
There are six units in the EMAT course:
- Coal
- Nuclear Energy
- Wind
- Geothermal Energy
- Biofuels
- Solar Energy
Each unit helps teachers learn key energy concepts and think about how to help students learn key energy concepts. As part of the course, there are a variety of materials to help both students and teachers:
- Animations—short animated videos that showcase important science and energy concepts
- Interactive Learning Experiences—interactive and fun opportunities to explore scientific ideas related to energy
- Classroom Videos—see how other teachers have engaged their students in teaching complex ideas related to energy