Review resource listings below

Filter listings by specific criteria +

  • Resource Audience

  • Resource Type

  • Learning Time

  • Energy Topic

  • Modality

  • Material Needed

  • Age Range

High School Energy Experiments

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) affect nearly every aspect of our lives — from
the cars we drive, to the food we eat, to the smartphones we use to communicate. Innovation is the key to helping the U.S. stay competitive in today’s globalized, technology-driven world.

The information and activities in this booklet will help you understand the critical role STEM plays in the
energy industry. Have fun exploring the world of energy, and we hope you learn some interesting new
things along the way.

Activity Categories
For Parents For Teachers Document Multi hour 14-18 years old Activity Stations Demonstration Basic Classroom Supplies Special Equipment Technology Energy Transformation Transfer of Energy

Sun Powered Cars

Solar Powered Cars are a fun engineering design challenge that provide plenty of room for academic conversations. The reality of solar panels is they aren’t perfect by any means. They require a level of precision in their positioning to the sun that producing a successful device is a challenge! Therein lies the opportunity for exploration, inquiry and iteration as both students and teachers alike can grow academically with the creation of a solar-powered car.

This resource from Discovery Place Science shows you two prototypes designed to serve as an exploration of what the introduction of a 3D printer and some simple design software can produce as well as an how this project can be completed using more common classroom materials such as popsicle sticks and hot glue

Activity Categories
For Teachers Document Up to an Hour 11-14 years old 14-18 years old Activity Stations Demonstration Basic Classroom Supplies Special Equipment Energy Transformation Sources of Energy Transfer of Energy

Designing and Testing Turbines

Creating turbines can be a fun way to explore the relationship of naturally occurring energy sources like wind. Using everyday materials students can create a variety of turbines that can be tested with LED’s and voltmeters to determine their effectiveness and start meaningful conversations around design improvements, energy conservation and a sustainable energy plan for the United States.

This resource from Discovery Place Science shows you how to build and test turbines with materials for the classroom, including 3-D plans for gear systems for your turbines.

Activity Categories
For Teachers Document Multi hour 11-14 years old 14-18 years old Activity Stations Demonstration Basic Classroom Supplies Special Equipment Energy Transformation Sources of Energy Transfer of Energy

Activity: Roll on Through

Design, build, and test a ramp using cardboard and other household materials. Create a pathway for round objects to roll down the cardboard ramp. Incorporate the floor, stairs, countertops, or furniture into the ramp design. This activity helps children develop flexible thinking skills.

This activity and more can be found online at Creativity Catapult, from the Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito, CA.,  is a research-backed, expert-curated collection of activities that promote creativity skills in children ages 2-14. Creativity Catapult is an online collection of activities to promote children’s creativity development. Curated by experts with contributions from esteemed education institutions from around the globe, Creativity Catapult is intended for practitioners charged with raising a generation of future innovators – parents, teachers and informal educators – as well as kids themselves.

Activity Categories
For Parents For PD Providers For Teachers Website Multi hour Up to an Hour 11-14 years old 5-8 years old 8-11 years old Adult Activity Stations Demonstration Lesson Basic Classroom Supplies Special Equipment Energy Transformation Transfer of Energy

Activity: Electric Scribbles

Children explore the intersection of science and art by inventing a machine that can draw as it moves. This activity helps children develop divergent thinking skills.

This activity and more can be found online at Creativity Catapult, from the Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito, CA.,  is a research-backed, expert-curated collection of activities that promote creativity skills in children ages 2-14. Creativity Catapult is an online collection of activities to promote children’s creativity development. Curated by experts with contributions from esteemed education institutions from around the globe, Creativity Catapult is intended for practitioners charged with raising a generation of future innovators – parents, teachers and informal educators – as well as kids themselves.

Activity Categories
For Parents For PD Providers For Teachers Website 5-10 minutes Multi hour Up to an Hour 11-14 years old 14-18 years old 5-8 years old 8-11 years old Adult Activity Stations Demonstration Lesson Basic Classroom Supplies Special Equipment Energy Transformation Sources of Energy Transfer of Energy

Activity: LED Creations

Spruce up artwork by adding LEDs to drawings and paper sculptures. In this activity, children learn about conductivity, current flow, simple circuit design, and mechanical switches.

This activity and more can be found online at Creativity Catapult, from the Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito, CA.,  is a research-backed, expert-curated collection of activities that promote creativity skills in children ages 2-14. Creativity Catapult is an online collection of activities to promote children’s creativity development. Curated by experts with contributions from esteemed education institutions from around the globe, Creativity Catapult is intended for practitioners charged with raising a generation of future innovators – parents, teachers and informal educators – as well as kids themselves.

Activity Categories
For Parents For PD Providers For Teachers Website Multi hour Up to an Hour 11-14 years old 5-8 years old 8-11 years old Adult Activity Stations Demonstration Lesson Basic Classroom Supplies Special Equipment Sources of Energy

Girls of Energy: DOE

Girls of Energy is designed to ignite curiosity and engage young minds across the globe, and we are thrilled to bring it to you. It showcases exceptional women who are conquering today’s energy challenges and creating tomorrow’s technology solutions. Comprised of lesson plans, activities, and an engaging website, Girls of Energy highlights the importance of energy and how it improves the lives of our friends, neighbors, and family members. Exploring the cutting-edge energy research and technology being developed at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Laboratories, Girls of Energy allows young women to see just how amazing a STEM career can be.

Activity Categories
For Parents For PD Providers For Teachers 5-10 minutes Multi hour Up to an Hour 11-14 years old 14-18 years old Demonstration Lesson Video Basic Classroom Supplies Special Equipment Technology Sources of Energy

NREL Energy Education Resources for Teachers

NREL(National Renewable Energy Lab) provides a variety of educational resources to help students, teachers, and parents educate their kids about renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies, including hands-on projects and curriculum suggestions for elementary school, middle school, and high school students as well as teachers.

Activity Categories
For Parents For PD Providers For Teachers Document Website 5-10 minutes Multi hour Up to an Hour 11-14 years old 14-18 years old 5-8 years old 8-11 years old Adult Activity Stations Demonstration Lesson Unit Video Basic Classroom Supplies Special Equipment Technology Energy Transformation Sources of Energy Transfer of Energy

The Physics Front

Physics Front has reviewed and catalogued quality resources for K-12 teaching.  This collection focuses on resources, lesson plans, activities, and websites in support of teaching concepts related to energy and other topics in physics.

Activity Categories
For Parents For PD Providers For Teachers Document Video Website Multi hour Up to an Hour 11-14 years old 14-18 years old 8-11 years old Adult Demonstration Lesson Unit Video Basic Classroom Supplies Special Equipment Technology Energy Transformation Sources of Energy Transfer of Energy
Join Our Mailing List