Powering the Planet: Renewable Energy
Provided by: The Nature Conservancy|Published on: June 15, 2021|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Type: Lesson Plans
Subjects: Biology, Engineering, Spanish
Authors: Nature Lab by The Nature Conservancy
Location: North America, North America > United States, Oceania
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This Nature Lab lesson accompanies a 40-minute video that takes students on a virtual field trip to the Palmyra Atoll in the Pacific Ocean and the Mojave Desert in North America to learn about renewable energy.
- The video features a mixture of background information on the two locations and information about solar and wind energy.
- The teaching guide features background information, relevant Next Generation Science Standards, student worksheets, discussion questions, and a game called Nature Spy.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The teacher's guide is easy to follow.
- The discussion questions in the teacher's guide have answers for the teacher to reference while facilitating discussions.
Prerequisites
- Students should have a basic understanding of the importance of implementing renewable energy.
- Here is the link to the video.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Students can answer questions during the field trip or after they have watched the video.
- This virtual field trip can be used as a starting point for students to further research renewable energy options.
- Vocabulary lists can be prefilled to help students understand the video or for students to research definitions as they watch.
- One activity is available in both English and Spanish.
The resource is suitable and recommended for teaching renewable energy sources and opportunities and options to transition to clean energy.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
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