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In this lesson, students will discuss how we use energy every day and where it comes from. Students will then draw or sort energy flow diagrams and write a paragraph to explain their diagrams.

This learning activity takes one 45 minute class period.

Learn more about Teaching Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness»


Grade Level

Regional Focus

Online Readiness

Topics

Climate Literacy

This Activity builds on the following concepts of Climate Literacy.

Click a topic below for supporting information, teaching ideas, and sample activities.

Energy Literacy

This Activity builds on the following concepts of Energy Literacy.

Click a topic below for supporting information, teaching ideas, and sample activities.

Notes From Our Reviewers The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials
Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy | Technical Details

Teaching Tips

  • Students create flow diagrams to demonstrate where energy comes from. The lesson plan allows students to explore at their own pace and then share with the class.
  • Teachers may want to use the visuals from the PowerPoint slides as the energy flow sort.

About the Content

  • Excellent background that gives place-based examples of how the sun influences the wind, hydroelectric power, hydrokinetic energy, and photosynthesis. Scientifically sound.
  • Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.

About the Pedagogy

  • An excellent activity for creating flow diagrams that allow students to learn where energy comes from (the sun) and how the sun influences most things around us. Really excellent place-based examples for Alaska, including representing Indigenous story-telling and lessons.

Technical Details/Ease of Use

  • Worksheets allow for easy setup with some different choices for each class to work with.
Entered the Collection: March 2025 | Last Reviewed: January 2025

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