Science of Geothermal

Explore how the Earth’s hidden heat powers energy systems around the world.
The Science of Geothermal lesson introduces students to geothermal energy through interactive labs, readings, data analysis, and applied math activities. This comprehensive lesson helps middle and high school students understand how heat beneath Earth’s surface is harnessed for electricity, heating, and sustainability.

Students begin by exploring geothermal basics through a bell ringer discussion and vocabulary and quiz activities, building key science terms and comprehension. They then dive into a data set activity, analyzing global geothermal capacity to identify which countries are leading the way and why.

Through the computation exercise, students apply math to real-world energy efficiency problems, calculating cost savings, energy production, and payback periods for geothermal systems. The Geothermal Conductivity Lab takes learning further with a hands-on investigation of how different materials transfer heat—connecting directly to how engineers design geothermal plants. Finally, the exit ticket encourages reflection on how geothermal could work locally.

For teachers, detailed guides, rubrics, and answer keys make the lesson easy to implement. Designed to meet NGSS standards (MS-PS3-4, HS-PS3-1), this lesson integrates physics, earth science, and environmental sustainability in a way that is accessible, data-driven, and engaging.

Perfect for middle or high school classrooms studying renewable energy, physical science, or global systems, The Science of Geothermal turns energy literacy into active learning.