All grades
Project
4 weeks
"Green Energy Champs: Grow, Share, Inspire!"
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Purpose
This project engages students in a dynamic exploration of renewable energy, fostering their ability to evaluate and innovate sustainable solutions. Through hands-on activities, students will investigate how energy and fuels from natural resources impact the environment, aligning with real-world challenges and opportunities in Nebraska. By designing and building energy conversion devices, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while cultivating self-directed learning and a strong academic mindset. The project encourages students to connect with their community, identify their roles in environmental advocacy, and consider future STEM careers, all while meeting Nebraska educational standards.
Learning goals
Students will explore how renewable energy sources can be harnessed and utilized, understanding their impact on the environment and society. They will engage in designing and building a simple device that converts one form of energy into another, reflecting on the cost-benefit aspects of their solutions. Through this process, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, while fostering a sense of self-directed learning and academic identity. This project will connect to Nebraska's local resources and energy challenges, aligning with Nebraska state standards to encourage students to think about real-world applications in their community.
Standards
- [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-ESS3-2 - Evaluate competing design solutions for developing, managing, and utilizing energy and mineral resources based on cost-benefit ratios.
- [Next Generation Science Standards] 4-ESS3-1 - Obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are derived from natural resources and their uses affect the environment.
- [Next Generation Science Standards] HS-PS3-3 - Design, build, and refine a device that works within given constraints to convert one form of energy into another form of energy.
Competencies
- Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
- Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
Products
Students will design and build a simple renewable energy device, such as a solar oven or wind turbine model, using everyday materials, aligning with Nebraska's standards on energy resources and environmental impact. They will document their process and findings in a digital portfolio, incorporating photos, videos, and reflective journal entries. The final product will be a presentation to peers and community members, showcasing their device, sharing insights on renewable energy's impact on agriculture, and proposing innovative solutions for local energy challenges.
Launch
Begin the project with an interactive field trip to a Nebraska-based renewable energy facility, or engage in a virtual tour if in-person visits are not feasible. Students will participate in hands-on activities, such as constructing simple wind turbines or solar ovens, to directly experience energy conversion. This immersive experience aligns with Nebraska's educational standards, sparking curiosity and providing a tangible connection to how renewable energy impacts their community and environment, setting the stage for deeper exploration and learning.
Exhibition
Students will host a Renewable Energy Fair, aligned with Nebraska standards, where they present their energy conversion devices and research findings to peers, teachers, and community members. Each group will create an interactive display that demonstrates their understanding of how renewable energy sources can be integrated into local agricultural practices. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback, fostering an environment of shared learning and community engagement. This exhibition will also include a panel discussion where students articulate the potential career paths in STEM fields related to clean energy and sustainability.
Plan
| Week 1 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Project Launch - Conduct an interactive field trip to a Nebraska-based renewable energy facility or engage in a virtual tour, allowing students to experience energy conversion and align with Nebraska standards (45 min)
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Introduction to Renewable Energy - Facilitate a discussion on the different types of renewable energy sources and their benefits, emphasizing Nebraska's energy landscape (20 min)
Exploration Activity - Students brainstorm how renewable energy impacts agriculture and share ideas in small groups (25 min)
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Hands-On Activity: Solar Oven Construction - Guide students in building a simple solar oven using everyday materials, supporting Nebraska standards on energy resources (45 min)
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Research and Reflection - Students research the environmental impact of energy resources in Nebraska and reflect on their observations from the solar oven activity (25 min)
Peer Feedback Session - Students present their solar oven designs and receive constructive feedback from peers, fostering self-directed learning (20 min)
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Academic Mindset Workshop - Facilitate a session where students identify their roles as environmental advocates and reflect on their learning, enhancing their academic mindset (20 min)
Device Improvement Planning - Students begin planning improvements to their solar ovens based on peer feedback, integrating critical thinking and problem-solving skills (25 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Reflective journal entry documenting insights from the field trip, hands-on activities, and design planning.
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| Preparation |
1. Arrange transportation and permissions for the field trip, or set up the virtual tour with the Nebraska-based facility.
2. Gather materials like cardboard, small motors, solar panels, and other supplies needed for constructing simple wind turbines and solar ovens. 3. Provide research resources such as books, articles, and websites on Nebraska's renewable energy sources. 4. Prepare brainstorming and design templates for collaborative group work. 5. Set up a digital platform or journals for students to document their reflections and findings. |
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| Week 2 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Device Design Challenge - Introduce the task of designing a renewable energy device, guiding students to sketch initial ideas based on their understanding of energy conversion (20 min)
Team Collaboration Workshop - Facilitate team formation and initial brainstorming sessions, encouraging students to combine their ideas and plan their device designs collaboratively (25 min)
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Prototyping Session - Guide students in creating initial prototypes of their renewable energy devices using available materials, emphasizing hands-on learning and experimentation (30 min)
Feedback and Reflection - Conduct a session where students share their prototypes and receive peer feedback, fostering self-directed learning and critical thinking (15 min)
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Research and Development - Encourage students to research alternative materials and methods to enhance their prototypes, integrating Nebraska-specific energy solutions (25 min)
Design Refinement - Students apply research insights to refine and improve their device designs, focusing on functionality and sustainability (20 min)
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Energy Conversion Exploration - Facilitate an exploration of different energy conversion methods, relating them to students' prototypes and Nebraska's energy landscape (20 min)
Hands-On Device Testing - Guide students in testing their refined prototypes to observe energy conversion in action, recording data and outcomes (25 min)
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Data Analysis and Reflection - Assist students in analyzing their device testing results, reflecting on successes and areas for improvement (20 min)
Community Connection Discussion - Lead a discussion on how students' devices can impact their community, encouraging ideas for local energy challenges (25 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. A completed infographic on a selected renewable energy source, detailing its impact on Nebraska's agriculture and environment.
2. Initial sketches and prototype of the energy conversion device, demonstrating the basic concept and functionality. 3. Digital portfolio entries that include research findings, prototype development process, and reflective journal entries. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for prototype construction, such as cardboard, foil, small motors, and other everyday items.
2. Provide access to digital tools or software for creating infographics and maintaining digital portfolios. 3. Arrange for guest speakers or virtual sessions with Nebraska community partners who work in renewable energy sectors. 4. Prepare research resources, including books, articles, and online databases related to renewable energy and its connection to agriculture in Nebraska. 5. Set up a collaborative online platform for students to share their work and receive feedback from peers and teachers. |
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| Week 3 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Design Review Session - Facilitate a review session where students present their refined device designs and receive constructive feedback from peers and teachers, integrating Nebraska standards (25 min)
Plan Community Impact - Guide students in planning how their devices can be showcased in the community, with a focus on local energy challenges and solutions (20 min)
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Prototype Enhancement - Lead students in enhancing their prototypes based on feedback, focusing on efficiency and sustainability (30 min)
Energy Source Exploration - Conduct a session exploring various renewable energy sources prevalent in Nebraska, emphasizing real-world applications (15 min)
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Testing and Data Collection - Assist students in conducting a second round of tests on their enhanced prototypes, collecting data on performance and energy conversion (30 min)
Reflective Journaling - Encourage students to document their observations and insights in a reflective journal, connecting their work to Nebraska's energy standards (15 min)
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Data Analysis Workshop - Guide students in analyzing the data collected from their prototype tests, identifying patterns and areas for further improvement (25 min)
Community Engagement Planning - Facilitate a session where students design interactive displays for the upcoming Renewable Energy Fair, highlighting community impact (20 min)
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Final Device Refinement - Support students in making final adjustments to their devices, ensuring they meet the desired functionality and sustainability goals (25 min)
Exhibition Preparation - Assist students in preparing their presentations and displays for the Renewable Energy Fair, focusing on clear communication of their findings and solutions (20 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Detailed research documentation on renewable energy devices suitable for Nebraska agriculture.
2. Refined design plans for renewable energy devices, incorporating peer and teacher feedback. 3. Prototype of the renewable energy device, created using everyday materials. 4. Reflective journal entries summarizing the week's activities and learning experiences. |
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| Preparation |
1. Gather materials for prototype building, such as cardboard, plastic bottles, tape, and scissors.
2. Provide access to online resources and articles about renewable energy and agriculture in Nebraska. 3. Set up a feedback session structure, including guidelines for constructive criticism. 4. Create a template for reflective journals to guide students in documenting their experiences. 5. Coordinate with community partners in Nebraska for additional insights or virtual guest speakers on renewable energy. |
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| Week 4 | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities |
Final Device Testing - Conduct a comprehensive testing session of final renewable energy devices, collecting detailed performance data and observations (25 min)
Feedback and Refinement - Facilitate a session where students present their final devices and receive peer and teacher feedback for last-minute improvements (20 min)
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Exhibition Setup - Guide students in setting up their interactive displays and presentations for the Renewable Energy Fair, focusing on clarity and engagement (25 min)
Practice Presentations - Conduct a practice session where students rehearse their presentations, receiving constructive feedback to refine communication skills (20 min)
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Renewable Energy Fair - Host the fair where students present their devices and findings to peers, teachers, and community members, engaging in discussions about local energy solutions (45 min)
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Reflection and Feedback - Lead a reflective session where students analyze feedback from the fair, discussing insights gained and areas for future exploration (20 min)
Career Pathways Exploration - Facilitate a discussion on STEM career opportunities linked to renewable energy, encouraging students to consider future possibilities (25 min)
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Project Wrap-Up and Celebration - Celebrate students' achievements with a closing activity that acknowledges their hard work and learning journey (20 min)
Self-Reflection Journaling - Encourage students to document their personal growth and learning throughout the project, highlighting key takeaways and future goals (25 min)
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| Deliverables |
1. Finalized renewable energy device and presentation
2. Peer review feedback notes 3. Presentation outline and rehearsal notes 4. Participation in the Renewable Energy Fair |
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| Preparation |
1. Arrange venue or space for the Renewable Energy Fair and ensure it is equipped with necessary presentation materials (e.g., tables, projectors).
2. Coordinate with community partners and invite them to the fair, ensuring they have roles in the panel discussion. 3. Prepare a schedule for the fair, allocating time slots for presentations and discussions. 4. Gather feedback forms for attendees to fill out after each presentation. |
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