Facing the Future (FTF) recently published a lesson plans that introduce energy concepts to elementary students in grades 3-5. These lesson plans were vertically aligned to the middle and high school curricula previously published by FTF. The lesson plans and assessments will contribute to the NARA Education GreenSTEM K-12 Initiatives’ goals by providing age-appropriate energy and bioenergy lessons for teachers along the K-12 spectrum.
The elementary curriculum consists of six lessons and a pre and post assessment designed to show students’ growth in content knowledge, ability to analyze energy concepts, and personal energy-related attitudes and behaviors. Lessons cover topics such as basic energy science, energy flow through food chains, and the supply chain of fuel. In the final lesson, students analyze case studies that showcase youth implementing energy conservation strategies in their homes, schools, communities, and beyond.
Learn more about Fueling our Future: Exploring Sustainable Energy Use: Grades 3-5
Learn more about Fueling our Future: Exploring Sustainable Energy Use: Grades 6-8 and Grades 9-12.
Facing the Future is an affiliate organization with NARA, and has been instrumental in using the NARA project as a backdrop to introduce bioenergy concept to students throughout the K-12 spectrum. These curricula, funded by the USDA-NIFA, fit well into NARA’s goal to raise bioenergy literacy and prepare a future workforce for alternative energy development.
The elementary edition was directed by FTF’s Danica Hendrickson and underwent extensive pilot testing last year. The curriculum was released this summer and a formal launch will take place this fall. The Fueling our Future series has been introduced to a large number of teachers. To date, over 388 copies (combined elementary, middle and high school editions) have been purchased with an estimated reach to nearly 20,000 students.