The purpose of Lesson 6 is to develop ideas about how renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, are used by schools and communities to produce electricity. Students develop ideas about how the sun and wind can be turned into electricity and power buildings.

What will we do?

• Generate initial ideas about possible renewable energy sources.

• Gather information about wind and solar through videos, readings, and animations. 

• Trace energy transfer through renewable systems.

• Discuss the benefits and challenges of renewable resource electricity generation.

• Review the energy system model of our classroom to include renewable energy sources onsite.

Materials needed

Advance preparation

• Preview slides and teacher guide.

• Print handouts.

• Check videos and animations to ensure they play.

• Questions about costs: If your students are curious about the upfront investment costs for wind or solar energy versus how much money a school would save over time, show slide 14. The graph on this slide provides data to students about the 30 year costs associated with traditional electricity, solar energy, and window energy. The bumps on the graph for solar and wind represent typical maintenance and replacement intervals for parts. Next, show the graph on Slide 15. This graph provides the break-even point on solar and wind for when schools will begin saving money. Also note that most school buildings are in use far longer than 30 years.