Solar Cell Energy Nationwide Activity Source: Adapted with permission by NASA. MY NASA DATA microsets are created using data from NASA Earth science satellite missions. A microset is a small amount of data extracted from a much larger data file. Data is available on the atmosphere, biosphere, cryosphere, ocean, and land surface. Data and related lessons can be used with existing curriculum to help students practice science inquiry and math or technology skills using real measurements of Earth system variables and processes. [Read More]

Solar Desalination Activity Source: NASA Grade Levels: 3-10 Background Desalination is the process of removing salt from water. The process of desalination can serve as a vital tool to bring fresh water to people and communities that may not have reliable access to safe drinking water. Solar stills have been used since ancient times to treat saltwater. In this activity, you will create a simple solar still, and can do calculations of the energy required for the process. [Read More]

Solution Mining for Uranium Activity Source: Minerals Education Coalition Grade Levels: 7-12 Background Nuclear energy is used around the world to generate electrical power in a way that does not produce greenhouse gases. Its use is predicted to grow in the coming years. This will increase the demand for uranium, which is mined for medical, industrial, and defense purposes, in addition to producing nuclear energy. Although it is mined in several ways, most uranium in the U. [Read More]

The Potential of Energy Reservoirs and Deposits Activity Source: American Association of Petroleum Geologists Grade Levels: 6-12 Background All countries rely on multiple energy sources to power industries, homes, and transportation. The combination of energy sources used by a nation is called their energy mix. Energy comes in many forms, and some of the most important sources are stored beneath the Earth’s surface (known as reservoirs). Each of these sources plays a critical role in generating electricity around the world. [Read More]

Toasty Wind Activity Source: NOAA Grade Levels: 5-8 Background Energy transfers are happening everywhere around us. Some we can feel or see, such as a gust of wind blowing through a tree. But where does the energy come from that drives that wind? With this activity, finding out will be a breeze! Materials Paper plate or card stock Marker Scissors String (~3 inches) Hot plate or toaster SAFETY NOTE: This activity uses a heat source and should be conducted with adult supervision. [Read More]

Traveling Nitrogen Activity Source: Windows to the Universe. Adapted with permission. Nitrogen is an element that is found both in living things and the nonliving parts of the Earth system. In this classroom activity, students play the role of nitrogen atoms traveling through the nitrogen cycle to gain understanding of the varied pathways through the cycle and how nitrogen is relevant to living things. For the teacher: To prepare, set up nitrogen reservoir stations around the classroom (or outside). [Read More]

Your School’s Energy Use Activity Source: American Geophysical Union Grade Levels: 3-6 Background Did you ever think about how much energy (electricity) your school uses? Make a list of all the things you can think of in your school that use energy. Look at a graph of energy use in schools to help you add to your list. Why do you think space heating requires so much energy compared to the other “end uses” shown on the graph? [Read More]