The most popular lesson in March unleashes the power of wind energy! The Introduction to Wind lesson focuses on wind power as one of the fastest growing sources of energy, guiding students to discovering the trade-offs necessary for a balanced and successful energy transition. Start with the brief Wind Primer introduction video. It lays out the pros and cons of wind power to get students thinking about how to balance the advantages with the challenges of using wind power to generate electricity.
Then, move onto review and analysis activities. Looking for options? This lesson has it all! Choose from six activities within the lesson itself, based on class needs. There are three bell ringers that educators can choose from or assign all three for a vigorous class discussion! The bell ringers aim to get students thinking critically about the possible benefits and drawbacks of wind power. The hands-on lab is an engineering challenge (Designing a Wind Turbine) that students from 6th grade to 12th grade would enjoy tackling. Teachers can tweak expectations and guidelines based on the level of the students they teach. Finally, the exit ticket has students making a decision and explaining their thinking. After analyzing wind power from various angles, should their community invest in wind energy? What is the reasoning behind their decision?
One of the assignments included in the Introduction to Wind lesson is a synthesis activity called Generation and Demand. Students analyze graphs that show the energy demand curve for a summer week in Texas, which has the greatest wind capacity of any US state. This activity gets students thinking, researching, and writing about wind generation rates. They must compare generation to electricity demand, both in Texas and on a global scale. Additionally, students also reflect on what factors would help determine if a community might need a backup energy source.
Stay tuned for more updates, resources, and inspiring stories in the next edition of the Switch Classroom newsletter and stay connected through our social media channels! Register for Switch Classroom for free today for access to over 500 free energy and environment resources. Be sure to check out our Quick Start Alignment Guides that suggest lessons and activities for 4th-12th grade science courses!
The Earth and Environmental Science quick start guide is versatile and useful for middle school to high school educators. The lessons in this guide can be used as both core and supplemental resources for an environmental course or unit. With sixteen lessons, there is something for everyone! Educators can choose which lessons align best with…
The most popular lesson in March unleashes the power of wind energy! The Introduction to Wind lesson focuses on wind power as one of the fastest growing sources of energy, guiding students to discovering the trade-offs necessary for a balanced and successful energy transition. Start with the brief Wind Primer introduction video. It lays out…
Switch Classroom’s no-prep lesson “Energy Efficiency” is the perfect supplement to the Earth Day focus of this month. It kicks off with a compelling video that students love. Dr. Tinker introduces students to the idea that energy efficiency is the most important step we can take in energy. Two important considerations are shared: eliminate wasteful…
Level up your Chemistry curriculum energy unit with our specially curated Chemistry Quick Start Alignment Guide. Designed for high school chemistry teachers, this guide offers a wealth of free teacher, made-teacher ready energy resources for your course. Addressing Educational Challenges Finding high-quality, non-partisan, and engaging materials for energy-related topics can be a daunting task for…
In the realm of science and innovation, Shirley Ann Jackson stands as a beacon of inspiration for women in STEM and all aspiring scientists. Her remarkable contributions to the field of energy have not only reshaped the landscape of technology but also paved the way for future generations of STEM enthusiasts. Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson,…
We are thrilled to introduce Grace Stanke, a remarkable individual who is making waves both in the world of nuclear engineering and on the pageant stage. Named in the prestigious 2024 Forbes 30 under 30 for Energy list, Grace is not only a national advocate for nuclear power but also a shining example of excellence…
Welcome to the March edition of the Switch Classroom newsletter! We’re excited to shine a spotlight on an important cause: recognizing the invaluable contributions of women in STEM. In this edition, we delve into how women have shaped the energy landscape and why promoting gender diversity in STEM fields is crucial for continued innovation. Why…
Switch Classroom loves EurekAlert!, a non-profit science news-release distribution platform managed by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). This helpful resource is updated hourly and will keep you up-to-date with scientific research in all disciplines. Educators and students can browse news releases by subject or use the direct links for various topics…
Lesson planning is easy with Switch Classroom! The Switch Classroom team is committed to ensuring that the platform is user-friendly and intuitive for educators, students, and parents. For educators getting started on creating lesson plans that align with your curriculum and goals, head to the Create Assignments page in Switch Classroom for a quick way…
Dr. Scott Tinker, Founder and Chairman of Switch Energy Alliance, delved into the intricate trade-offs between climate security, energy poverty, and energy security at the 2023 ARC (Alliance for Responsible Citizenship) Conference, with his talk, “An Honest and Sensible Conversation about Global Energy”, now boasting over 1.4 million views. This resource serves as a springboard…
Are you an upper elementary or middle school teacher, searching for energy resources and activities aligned to your instructional goals and curriculum? The 5th Grade General Science Alignment Guide is the perfect place to get a quick start on a variety of topics that get students excited about energy learning. Compiled by teachers across the…
The most popular NGSS and APES-aligned lesson in January was “The Energy Mix,” including the How We Make and Use Energy introductory video, which had over 17k views! In this lesson Scott Tinker takes students on a fascinating and compelling exploration of the different energy sources and their impacts. Engaging supplemental materials include a bell…
This month we focus on celebrating the life and work of Black American inventors, engineers, innovators, and scientists who have made a difference in the world of energy research and technology. These pioneers shaped critical features of our energy landscape, often without the recognition they deserved and while confronting prejudice and injustice. One such pioneer…
Exciting News! Switch Classroom now has a monthly newsletter full of practical, no-prep content that can be used in your classes today! Each issue promises educational resources, hands-on tools, and fascinating features to help you explore energy and environment with your students. This month, in honor of Black History Month, we celebrate the journeys and…