Quest 25 – The nature of renewable energy
LESSON CREATED BY Earth School Partners USING TED-Ed's LESSON CREATOR
Video from TED-Ed YouTube Channel
Let’s Begin…
Every year, the world uses 35 billion barrels of oil. This fossil fuel dependence pollutes the Earth, and it won’t last forever. Meanwhile, we have abundant sun, water, and wind; all sources of renewable energy. So why don’t we exchange our fossil fuel dependence for an existence based only on renewables? Federico Rosei and Renzo Rosei describe the challenges. After the video, continue onto other sections to learn more, interact, act and share.
Additional Resources for you to Explore
Before you dive into the rest of this Quest, check out these videos to learn more about different types of renewable energy, their potential, and their challenges:
Watch 1: Climate 101: Renewable Energy (National Geographic)
Watch 2: How do solar panels work? (TED-Ed)
Watch 3: Wind Power: How Wind Becomes Energy (NOVA PBS)
Watch 4: What is tidal energy? (Student Energy)
Watch 5: How do nuclear power plants work? (TED-Ed)
Watch 6: What Is Hydropower? (Student Energy)
LEARN + INTERACT
Navigate this interactive map to learn how wind becomes electricity. (for ages 6-12)
Learn the pros and cons of wind energy. (for ages 9-12)
Build a simple windmill following these instructions. See for yourself how wind energy is harnessed and test the strength of your lungs. (for all ages)
Learn something very surprising and super gross: poop can be turned into energy! Read more here. (for ages 6-12)
See how scientists in the Palmyra Atoll developed ways to power the entire island almost exclusively through renewable energy sources with this video. (for ages 9-12)
ACT + SHARE
Make informed energy decisions by exploring the relationships between factors such as geographic location, availability of energy resources, cost, and environmental and community impacts. Start your adventure! (for ages 10-15)
Calculate how solar panels can affect your energy consumption and save money with this tool. (for ages 12-15, US only)
Fly around to see some of the world’s biggest renewable energy sites, including hydropower dams, a concentrated solar thermal plant, a tidal power station, and on and offshore wind farms. (for all ages)
WANT MORE?
Learn about the potential of solar power and its rapid growth. (for ages 14-16)
Watch and read about how to harness the power of our oceans. (for ages 12-16)
Understand the importance of energy storage in the quest for a cleaner future. (for ages 12-16)
Get inspired on the role that you can play in the future of renewable energy. (for ages 12-16)
Resources for Parents and Educators:
Writing Lesson: How Wind Becomes Electricity. (for ages 9-12)
This Earth School Quest was created by the following incredible educators and environmental experts: Nicolas Cisneros
Watch 1: Climate 101: Renewable Energy (National Geographic)
Watch 2: How do solar panels work? (TED-Ed)
Watch 3: Wind Power: How Wind Becomes Energy (NOVA PBS)
Watch 4: What is tidal energy? (Student Energy)
Watch 5: How do nuclear power plants work? (TED-Ed)
Watch 6: What Is Hydropower? (Student Energy)
LEARN + INTERACT
Navigate this interactive map to learn how wind becomes electricity. (for ages 6-12)
Learn the pros and cons of wind energy. (for ages 9-12)
Build a simple windmill following these instructions. See for yourself how wind energy is harnessed and test the strength of your lungs. (for all ages)
Learn something very surprising and super gross: poop can be turned into energy! Read more here. (for ages 6-12)
See how scientists in the Palmyra Atoll developed ways to power the entire island almost exclusively through renewable energy sources with this video. (for ages 9-12)
ACT + SHARE
Make informed energy decisions by exploring the relationships between factors such as geographic location, availability of energy resources, cost, and environmental and community impacts. Start your adventure! (for ages 10-15)
Calculate how solar panels can affect your energy consumption and save money with this tool. (for ages 12-15, US only)
Fly around to see some of the world’s biggest renewable energy sites, including hydropower dams, a concentrated solar thermal plant, a tidal power station, and on and offshore wind farms. (for all ages)
WANT MORE?
Learn about the potential of solar power and its rapid growth. (for ages 14-16)
Watch and read about how to harness the power of our oceans. (for ages 12-16)
Understand the importance of energy storage in the quest for a cleaner future. (for ages 12-16)
Get inspired on the role that you can play in the future of renewable energy. (for ages 12-16)
Resources for Parents and Educators:
Writing Lesson: How Wind Becomes Electricity. (for ages 9-12)
This Earth School Quest was created by the following incredible educators and environmental experts: Nicolas Cisneros
We look forward to seeing your Quest in action!
Document your Quests— take photos of the experiments, activities, drawings, and writing prompts you tried— and share your journey with the Earth School team and students by using #EarthSchool. We'll feature some of your photos and stories on our social channels, hopefully encouraging others to join the cause!
Explore additional creative activities (for all ages!) from the Nature of Individual Action and save images of your work from each Quest in Littlescribe — later you can create an original card, book, magazine or calendar to bring your adventures to life!
Document your Quests— take photos of the experiments, activities, drawings, and writing prompts you tried— and share your journey with the Earth School team and students by using #EarthSchool. We'll feature some of your photos and stories on our social channels, hopefully encouraging others to join the cause!
Explore additional creative activities (for all ages!) from the Nature of Individual Action and save images of your work from each Quest in Littlescribe — later you can create an original card, book, magazine or calendar to bring your adventures to life!
