Recommended Reading

We use a terrific textbook  “Energy for Keeps: Electricity from Renewable Energy.” www.energyforkeeps.org. It’s even won some awards.

Much more can be found on the Internet. Click on Recommended Reading to find some of our favorite sites.

The National Energy Education Development Project (www.need.org/) has been working with teachers for over 30 years. They have a wealth of resources to buy or download.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has a variety of resources for K-12, college and adult learners, including competitions. Professional development opportunities for teachers at all levels are also available. www.nrel.gov/learning/student_resources.html

The U.S. Department of Energy has lesson plans, links, activities, and information for teachers and students on a variety of energy and efficiency topics at apps1.eere.energy.gov/education/lessonplans/ Or join the fun at www.eia.doe.gov/kids/

The State of California has an interactive website on energy topics at www.energyquest.ca.gov/ It includes information on the Youth Energy Summit competition for high school students.

The Florida Solar Energy Center has lots of materials for K-12 teachers and students, plus links to other websites at www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/education/k-12/curricula/index.htm

For current energy news from around the world, see the magazine “Renewable Energy World”. www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/home

For kids who want to learn about renewable energy and earn a scout patch, check out the American Solar Energy Society’s website. Of course, they also have tons of news about solar energy. www.ases.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=715&Itemid=171

For all things wind power related, see www.awea.org/education/curriculum/

Another site about wind power with materials just for students and teachers is www.kidwind.org/

Find lots of plans for students’ renewable energy projects at www.re-energy.ca.

There is also plenty of information on renewable energy and how to calculate your carbon footprint at www.b-e-f.org.