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ERIC Number: ED598277
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0960-1481
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Making Connections: Elementary Students' Ideas about Electricity and Energy Resources
Merritt, Eileen G.; Bowers, Nicole; Rimm-Kaufman, Sara E.
Grantee Submission, Renewable Energy v138 p1078-1086 2019
The development of energy literacy for all citizens is critical as we face climate change and rapid depletion of existing energy resources. This study explores energy literacy development in fourth grade classrooms. Our team developed a curriculum on energy resources aligned with the Next GenerationScience Standards. We then trained teachers how to implement the program and support their students' engagement in a service-learning project related to energy conservation. We used qualitative methods to analyze students 'open-ended responses from an energy literacy assessment. Students were familiar with solar, hydropower and wind energy, and suggested that solar energy should be used more in the future. Students were more easily able to explain energy transfer in wind turbines and solar panels than in other electricity production systems. Students learned important energy and natural resource concepts in the context of an environmental service-learning program. Discussion focuses on the importance of integrated science instruction that helps students see how their electricity use impacts the environ-ment, and provides them with opportunities to take action. We also suggest important ways that renewable energy companies can contribute to energy and climate literacy initiatives.
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 4; Intermediate Grades
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Authoring Institution: N/A
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R305A150272
Author Affiliations: N/A