In this article, second graders learn the basics of engineering through an exploration of magnetic levitation (maglev) technology. The author designed and taught the lessons to a class of 26 students enrolled in a month-long summer science program. The maglev lessons took place over three mornings (15 minutes for the first lesson and 40 minutes…

Job creation and finding new sources of renewable energy have been inextricably linked in recent months; green-sector growth is seen as vital to grow the economy and create new jobs. There appears to be a great deal of agreement on the need for alternative energy sources; however, there is also a great deal of work ahead for the U.S. in developing…

Food and conservation science curriculum, net-zero design and student-based building performance monitoring have come together in the unique and innovative new Music and Science Building for Oregon's Hood River Middle School. The school's Permaculture-based curriculum both informed the building design and was also transformed through the…

Over a year, a small group of high school students risked their afternoons and summer to participate in a science program that was "much different from science class." This was one of several after-school programs in Oakland and Richmond that the author was leading as an instructor with the East Bay Academy for Young Scientists (EBAYS). Students…

The topic of alternative energy is not only relevant to a multitude of issues today, it is also an effective vehicle for developing instruction that applies across a variety of content disciplines and academic standards. Since many of the issues associated with alternative energy are open-ended, alternative energy also lends itself to…

An elementary activity based energy education unit which utilizes student contracts is described. Examples of the preparation involved, student involvement entailed, and examples of contracts and grading criteria are included. (DS)

Describes science activities in a sixth-grade classroom and a physical science workshop for elementary school (K-4) teachers. Also describes an energy newsletter ("Arizona Energy Education") and a week-long science project in all classes/subjects at an elementary school, each day having a different science theme. (JN)

Describes a course to present secondary teachers with an overview of the energy problem and provide technical background required for an understanding of energy conservation methods and future alternatives. Emphasis placed on subject matter that can be incorporated into secondary school curricula. (Author/JN)

Reports results of the Energyport Project, which involved sixth graders of all performance levels in energy study. The project was designed to demonstrate the relationship between energy sources and their economic impact on the community and increase student awareness of the effects of different energy sources on the environment. (CS)