Resources for Teachers & Students

Understanding how we use energy at home and at school is a wonderful lesson to include as part of a curriculum in a wide range of subjects — from demonstrating how a light bulb works in science class, to calculating energy usage in math class or understanding energy bills and home budgeting in business class. Once students and parents alike learn their “energy basics,” they will be ready to put those lessons to practice by conserving energy in and out of the classroom.

The National Energy Education and Development (NEED) Project has been working since 1980 to make energy education a priority in the nation’s schools. The NEED program, in collaboration with its partner the U.S. Energy Information Administration, offers engaging curriculum materials, professional development, turnkey assessment and evaluation tools, and high quality teacher support. Here are some of their helpful resources:

• Curriculum Guides and Program Resources for educators, including curricula by subject, title and grad level, Tools and Resources and Projects and Activities.
• Energy Infobook Activities for students of all ages on a wide range of energy source and renewable energy topics.
• Check out the NEED calendar to view upcoming events and workshops.

On January 1, 2012, The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) launched the National Clean Energy Business Plan Competition, a program designed to build regional networks of student-focused business creation contests across the country. This initiative will provide student participants with the skills to create new businesses and transform promising energy technologies from U.S. universities and national laboratories into innovative energy products that will help to create jobs, boost American competitiveness, and strengthen our economy. Regional winners will compete for the Grand Prize in DOE’s own inaugural National Competition in early summer, 2012.  Six regional organizations will receive a total of $2 million over three years, including $100,000 in annual prizes for each competition’s winning team. To see a list of each region’s competitors, visit the DOE’s contest page for more information. Winners will be announced June 2, 2012.

Here are some great resources from EPA and the Department of Energy to educate students about energy:

• Energy 101 for students and Lesson Plans for teachers, from DOE’s energy kids page
• Interactive education tools and Games for kids, also from DOE
• Kid-friendly resources and materials from ENERGY STAR
• ENERGY STAR tips and information for K-12 Schools, including a coloring book, Horton Hears a Who Tip Sheet and a Horton Activity Book.