Table 2: Renewable Energy Sources
Directions
The twenty example texts have been sub-divided thematically into five sections for more focused review. Your group is looking at materials which would introduce students to renewable energy sources.
This text set is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standard 4-ESS3-1: Obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are derived from natural resources and their uses affect the environment. [Clarification Statement: Examples of renewable energy resources could include wind energy, water behind dams, and sunlight; non-renewable energy resources are fossil fuels and fissile materials. Examples of environmental effects could include loss of habitat due to dams, loss of habitat due to surface mining, and air pollution from burning of fossil fuels.]
Within your group, decide who examines which of the four texts. (Note: If you have more than four group members, put multiple people on whichever text(s) seems the most complicated. If you have fewer than four group members, choose which text(s) not to review).
After reviewing your text(s) reflect on the following questions and take notes on your thoughts:
- Describe how your text is related to renewable energy and what specific concepts, ideas, or skills it addresses.
- How is or could the text be connected to investigating a social issue, social change, and advocacy?
- What would students already have to know or understand to engage with your text? What would students be able to learn from your text?
- Would you recommend including this text in a text set for 4th graders on renewable energy, why or why not?
- How do you imagine using such a text instructionally when designing a unit on renewable energy sources for 4th graders?
Reconvene with your group members and report back on your text, sharing answers to the above questions. This verbally models the annotations you will do when constructing your own text set when completing the Integrated Multicultural Unit Reflection assignment.
- How could your texts work together or complement each other instructionally?
Be prepared to share out your group's thoughts with the larger class after reviewing this section of the larger example text set.
Text 5 - Non-Fiction Book
Planet Power
"We have so many clever, clean ways to power our world: the push of the breeze, the warmth of the sun, even the flow of the tides. This book reminds us what a sweet planet it is -- and that if we're careful, we can keep it rolling on!" - Bill McKibben, Environmentalist and Author Explore six renewable energy technologies that are used around the world! Accessible verse and lush illustrations introduce children to important information about how we can harness the planet's natural resources including wind, water and sun. Inset boxes define new words like "turbine," while extensive endnotes further explain the science behind each power source and the benefits of clean energy.
Clark, S. (2021). Planet power : explore the world’s renewable energy. Barefoot Books.
Text 6 - Hands-on Model
Renewable Energy Kit
The Renewable Energy Kit is comprised of: 1 wind turbine, 1 water turbine (1 inlet & 1 outlet pipe), 1 solar panel, 1 universal base, 1 mast section, 4 output dials (power meter, light display/LED, alarm/buzzer, motion display/gears). Includes pamphlet with assembly instructions and activities for the kit.
Renewable energy kit. (2007). Invicta Plastics.
Text 7 - Map
Renewable Energy Resource Abundance
Roberts, B. J. (2021). A Simplified look at renewable energy resource abundance in the conterminous United States [Map]. NREL - The National Renewable Energy Laboratory. https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=139164814.
Text 8 - Graphs
U.S. Primary Energy Consumption by Energy Source, 2022
U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2023, April). U.S. primary energy consumption by energy source, 2022 [Chart]. Energy Kids. https://www.eia.gov/kids/energy-sources/renewable/
Percentage Shares of Total U.S. Enegery Consumption by Major Sources in Selected Years (1776-2022)
U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2023, April). Percentage shares of total U.S. enegery consumption by major sources in selected years (1776-2022) [Chart]. Energy Kids. https://www.eia.gov/kids/energy-sources/renewable/