Transportation Lesson: Clean Energy
Lesson Plan
1 hourGradesK, 1, 2Earth and Space Sciences
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 →
Written by Elaine Makarevich
About this lesson
In this lesson, students explore clean energy resources through playing games and reading the picture book Sven's Search for Clean Energy.
Inquire: Students play the National Environmental Education Foundation’s Generations Game to explore natural resources.
Investigate: Students read Sven's Search for Clean Energy, a picture book about the adventures of Sven and Earthly as they learn about fossil fuels and clean energy.
Inspire: Students connect renewable and nonrenewable energy resources to modes of transportation and create a deck of cards to illustrate what they learned about clean energy.
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Suggestions
- Students are introduced to clean energy and natural resources, exploring fossil fuels, energy use, and alternative or clean energy options.
- Students have opportunities to collaborate with classmates to share their feelings as they learn how burning fossil fuels hurts the planet.
- Through playing a game, students strengthen their understanding of the topic and vocabulary.
- Projecting the picture book Sven’s Search for Clean Energy on the board will help all learners participate in listening to and comprehending the book's content.
- This lesson can be easily integrated into an existing ELA lesson that focuses on identifying the main idea and key details in a text.
- On a subsequent day, students can present their completed Transportation Form or cards.
Prerequisites
- This is lesson 2 of 4 in our K-2nd grade Transportation Unit.
- If students did not complete Lesson 1 of this unit, it will be helpful to share with students the modes of transportation and explain the carbon cost of transportation.
- Teachers will need to print copies of the worksheets and templates from the Student Document.
- Gather and prepare the materials needed for the Generations game. Classroom materials can be used as resources (e.g., squares of paper, math counters, plastic or wooden beads).
Differentiation
- Students can work in pairs or small groups to create their deck of cards.
- As an extension, older students can create rules for a game using their cards and play the game with others (e.g., “Can you trade me one transportation card that uses clean energy?”)
- The Student Document provides differentiated options for students with different ability levels.
- Additional optional student worksheets are included in the Student Document.
From the scientist review
This lesson gives students a foundational understanding of renewable energy and how it affects the transportation industry. It enables students to recognize instances of clean or renewable energy, compare and contrast clean energy sources with energy produced from fossil fuels, and examine how each of these energy sources is acquired from our natural resources. In order for them to know which energy sources might run out, the game is also essential. Additionally, via this lesson, students will be able to create energy plans for their homes, communities, and the environment that are sustainable, affordable, and clean. This lesson passed our rigorous science assessment after careful examination of all the materials.
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About the teacher writer
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Elaine Makarevich
Chief Outreach Officer
Elaine Makarevich, M.Ed., is SubjectToClimate's Chief Outreach Officer. She has over 30 years of experience teaching K–6 across all subjects and holds a B.A. from Rutgers University and an M.Ed. from East Stroudsburg University and Centenary University, along with Supervisor and Gifted Education certifications. Outside of work, she loves gardening — flowers, vegetables, and everything in between.
