The following is a list of recommended books, and videos that provide a wide range of reading and research resources for this unit. Collect as many as you can for your classroom science library, or provide the list to your school librarian.

Books on Energy and Energy-Related Topics

The list below includes recommendations for books that introduce energy and issues related to energy.

All About the Industrial Revolution

By Peter Hepplewhite. (2003, Hodder & Stoughton)

This age-appropriate book covers many aspects of the Industrial Revolution including the factory system, education in factories and schools, the growth of industrial towns, and the effects of the industrial revolution on the world.

Amish Children

By Phyllis Pellman Good and Jerry Irwin. (2002, Good Books)

This book shows students how different their lives are from that of Amish children, who grow up without television, telephones, or computers.

Amish Home

By Raymond Bail. (1995, Houghton Mifflin Co.)

Through colorful photographs, students gain insights into Amish life, a way of life reminiscent of the way people lived in the 19 th century.

Conductors and Insulators

By Angela Royston. (2003, Heinemann Library)

This book for early elementary readers provides an introduction to conductors and insulators.

Earth, Water, Fire and Air: Playful Explorations in the Four Elements

By Walter Kraul. (1995, Sagebrush Education Resources)

This gem of a book includes instructions for making a waterwheel, paddle-steamer, propeller plane, windmill, hot-air balloon and lots more. It may be tough to find, but the search is well worth it!

Energy From the Sun

By Allan Fowler. (1998, Children’s Press)

This book for early elementary readers examines how energy from the sun provides us with light, heat, food, and other things necessary for life on Earth.

Energy Makes Things Happen

By Kimberly Brubaker Bradley and Paul Meisel. (2002, Harper Trophy)

This book for early elementary readers uses familiar examples and a clear focus to introduce forms of energy.

Energy: Simple Experiments for Young Scientists

By Larry White; illustrated by Laurie Hamilton. (1996, Milbrook Press Trade)

This grade-appropriate book provides students with experiments they can perform using everyday materials.

Exploring Energy With Toys—Complete Lessons for Grades 4-8

By Beverly A.P. Taylor and Terrific Science Press. (1998, McGraw-Hill Trade)

This out-of-print book, funded by the National Science Foundation, uses toys to make learning about energy fun.

Full of Energy

By Sally Hewitt. (1998, Scholastic Library Publishing)

This book for early elementary readers introduces the concept of energy as found in food, the sun, wind, water, and other sources.

How Do We Know Energy Exists?

By Terry Jennings and Ronnie C. Tyler. (2000, Raintree Steck-Vaughn)

This age-appropriate book explores energy and provides students with insights into ways they can tell that energy exists in the world around them. Although this book is out of print, you may be able to find it in your local library.

Is the Temperature Rising? The Uncertain Science of Global Warming

By S. George Philander. (2000, Princeton University Press)

This reference book for teachers provides nice background information on the debate over global warming.

Light Bulb

By Marc Tyler Nobleman and Hal Wallace. (2003, Capstone Press)

This book explains the history of the light bulb, how it works, and the various types of light bulbs used today.

Pass the Energy, Please! (Sharing Nature with Children Book)

By Barbara Shaw McKinney; illustrated by Chad Wallace. (2000, Dawn Publications)

Presented in poetic text, this book shows how organisms “pass energy” through an ecosystem.

Really Hot Science Projects with Temperature: How Hot Is It? How Cold Is It?

By Robert Gardner. (2003, Enslow Publishers, Inc.)

This book provides students with a variety of ways to measure the transfer of heat energy in the world around them.

Rising Temperatures of the Past and Future

By Karen Donnelly. (2003, Rosen Publishing Group)

This book describes the causes of global warming, as well as information about El Nino, volcanoes, how global warming may affect wildlife and plants, and why temperature change matters.

Temperature

By Joy Frisch. (2003, Smart Apple Media)

This book introduces temperature and how it is measured. It also addresses future environmental concerns such as global warming.

Temperature: Heating Up and Cooling Down

By Darlene Stille and Sheree Boyd. (2004, Picture Window Books)

This book provides students with an understanding of how a blanket keeps them warm.

The Gift to Be Simple: Life in the Amish Country

By Bill Coleman. (2001, Chronicle Books)

This book takes students on a visual journey through the Pennsylvania Amish valley, a region largely untouched by tourists and the amenities of modern existence.

The Nature and Science of Energy

By Jane Burton and Kim Taylor. (1998, Gareth Stevens)

This book for upper elementary and middle school readers describes different kinds of energy, explores some properties of energy and gives information about some of the different forms of energy.

The Wind at Work: An Activity Guide to Windmills

By Gretchen Woelfle. (1997, Chicago Review Press)

Focusing on the use of wind as a source of power, this age-appropriate book provides wonderful historical accounts of ancient windmills as well as information about the modern wind turbine.

Windmills

By Laura Brooks. (2003, Metro Books)

A beautiful compilation of dramatic and intriguing views of windmills. Students can explore a windmill’s form, function, and style through diagrams and photographs.

Scientists and Inventors

The list below includes recommendations for books and videos for children to use as they study scientists and inventors.

100 Scientists Who Shaped World History

By John Hudson Tiner. (2000, Bluewood Books)

This book for young adult readers showcases great men and women of science who significantly contributed to our understanding of the physical world around us.

Inventors and Inventions (Grades 4-8)

By Lorraine Hopping Egan. (1999, Scholastic Professional Books)

This book provides students with activities to help them explore the history of inventors and inventions and develop scientific problem-solving skills.

Isaac Newton: The Greatest Scientist of All Time (Great Minds of Science)

By Margaret J. Anderson. (2001, Enslow Publishers, Inc.)

Offering details about Newton’s childhood and life, this age-appropriate book highlights his dedication to science and mathematics.

Janice VanCleave's Scientists Through the Ages

By Janice VanCleave . (2003, John Wiley & Sons)

This book profiles the lives and work of more than 25 important thinkers in astronomy, biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics. Includes short biographies of the scientists, descriptions of their contributions to science, and simple experiments that reveal some of their most important discoveries.

Michael Faraday (Scientists Who Made History)

By Stewart Ross. (2003, Raintree/SteckVaughn)

This age-appropriate book provides students with a glimpse into the life of Michael Faraday, the 19 th century scientist whose discoveries led to the invention of the electric generator.

The New York Public Library Amazing Scientists: A Book of Answers for Kids

By The New York Public Library and Jim Callan. (2001, John Wiley & Sons)

Fact-filled and fun, this book’s question-and-answer format lets children explore the discoveries of some of the world’s greatest scientists.

The Way Things Go

Produced by First Run Features; directed by Peter Fischli. (Released 2002)

Available in both DVD and VHS format, this 30-minute feature shows a variety of energy transfers in a chain reaction-like format including lightning and things dropping and rolling. A great enrichment film to support Lesson 9.

Thomas Alva Edison: Inventor and Entrepreneur (Great Life Stories: Inventors and Scientists)

By Claire Price-Groff. (2003, Franklin Watts, Inc.)

This age-appropriate book provides a biography of Thomas Edison.

Thomas Alva Edison: The King of Inventors (Scientists & Inventors Series)

By David C. King. (1997, Discovery Enterprises Ltd.)

In this book, students can read parts of Thomas Edison’s own journal and lab notes, as well as perusing photos and critiques from his day.

Who’s Who in Science and Technology: A Guide to Famous Scientists

By Bob Fowke. (2000, Hodder & Stoughton Children’s Division)

This guide describes 300 of the most famous and fascinating scientists and inventors from Ancient Greece to the 20 th century.

Inventions

The books listed below offer information on inventions.

Chain Reaction: Rube Goldberg and Contemporary Art

By Ian Berry. (2001, Distributed Art Publishers)

This book depicts how contemporary artists have used the ideas of Rube Goldberg in their depictions of mechanical devices and functions.

Mistakes that Worked

By Charlotte Foltz Jones & John O’Brien. (1994, Doubleday Books for Young Readers)

This book highlights inventions made by mistake including Silly Putty, trouser cuffs, popsicles, and insulin. An excellent book to have in the Science Center.

Put a Fan in Your Hat!: Inventions, Contraptions, and Gadgets Kids can Build

By Robert Carrow. (1997, Learning Triangle Press)

This out-of-print book encourages and fosters the spirit of invention by describing how to build a homemade motor, a hat with a fan in it, and a motorized shoe buffer.

Rube Goldberg: Inventions!

By Maynard Frank Wolfe. (2000, Simon & Schuster)

A collection of Goldberg's inventions, comic strips, editorial cartoons, and sketches, as well as a biography of Goldberg, are presented in this book.

Samuel Todd's Book of Great Inventions

By E.L. Konigsburg. (1991, Atheneum)

This book for early elementary readers shows inventions that makes Samuel Todd’s day easier, such as Velcro®, a thermos bottle, training wheels, and mittens.

The Kid’s Invention Book

By Arlene Erlbach. (1999, Lerner Publications Company)

Profiles eleven inventors between the ages of eight and fourteen, describes the steps involved in inventing a new product, and discusses contests, patents, lawyers, and clubs.

Totally Absurd Inventions

By Ted VanCleave. (2001, Andrews McMeel Publishing)

Offers over 100 of the funniest patents ever made. Students will be amused as they read about the Diaper Alarm and the dog lover’s Ear Tubes.

Turn on the Lights—From Bed!: Inventions, Contraptions, and Gadgets Kids can Build

By Robert Carrow. (1997, Learning Triangle Press)

This out-of-print book encourages the spirit of invention by describing how to build a wireless intercom, remote controlled room lighting, and a “dinner’s ready” light.

World’s Wackiest Inventions

By A.E. Brown & H.A. Jeffcott. (1970, Dover Publications)

Features 60 of the wackiest inventions ever undertaken. Students will get a laugh out of the lip shaper, automatic saluting hat, and water splashing wakeup clocks.

ExploraGear kits contain equipment and consumables for student explorations. Scroll down to view the entire ExploraGear list.

Each module also lists easy-to-find Classroom Supplies used in the lessons. Scroll down or click the link on the right to see the Classroom Supplies list for this module.

ExploraGear

QUANTITY	ITEM
9	Bag, Zip, 10” x 12”
9	Bag, Zip, 6” x 8”
1	Energy Ball
4	Batteries, Alkaline AA
1	Polyester Batting, 36” x 45”
1	Fluorescent Bulb, Spiral, 27 Watt
2	Incandescent Bulbs, 100 Watt
1	Incandescent Bulb, 25 Watt
1	Toy Car
2	Chopsticks
8	Clear Plastic Cups, 16 oz
1	Dominoes, set/28
1 box	Aluminum Foil
1	Small Gloves, box/100
2	Clip-on Lamps w/ Shade
2	Foam Pads, .5X 8X16”
1	Pipe Cleaners, pk/100
1	Pitcher w/ Lid, 2 L
1 roll	Plastic Wrap
4	Rods, Plastic, 14 in
4	Rods, Aluminum, 8 in
4	Rods, Brass, 8 in
4	Copper Rods, 8 in
4	Wood Skewers, 8 in
1	Solar Motor Kit
18	Thermometers, Hi-range
1	Thread, Blue Spool
2	Spinning Tops w/ Light
4	Toy Pop-up Frogs
2	Toy Sparking Wheels
1	UV Color-changing Beads, pk/120
1	Electric Cup Warmer
1	Memory Wire w/ Knobs
1	Yo-yo, Duncan Imperial
1	Storage Bin w/ Lid, 11X18X15”

Return to top

Classroom Supplies

QUANTITY	ITEM	LESSONS
1 per child	Binders or folders	Family Link Notebooks
1 pad	Chart paper	1, 9
1 per group	Glue sticks	1, 9
Several per group	Magazines	1, 9
1	Overhead projector	1, 2, 3, 4, 7, SBA 3
1 piece per group	Poster board	1, 2, 9
Class set	Scissors	1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9
1 per group	Pencils	2
Class set	Rulers	2, 9, SBA 3
1	Box or block, small	3
1	Ceramic bowl, small	3
1	Gift box top, large	3
1	Hairdryer (optional)	3
1 set	Overhead markers	3, 7
1	Paper bag, opaque, medium, such as a lunch or gift bag	3
3 rolls	Paper towels	3, 4
1	Screwdriver, small, Phillips head	3
Various amounts	Water, hot and/or cold needed	3, 4, 5, 6, 7, SBA 2
3 boxes	Baking soda	4
1 bag	Balloons, assorted sizes	4
3 or more	Ballpoint pen tubes, ink cartridges removed	4
9	Basins, dishpan size (10.7 L)	4, 7
1	Basin, large, shallow, such as an under-bed storage container, approximately 33 in x 16 in x 4 in	4, 7
1	Camera (optional)	4
1 stick	Chewing gum	4
1 bottle	Dish soap	4
1	Glass bottle, empty, top removed	4
6 or more	Milk cartons, empty, 1 pint	4
3 or more rolls	Packing tape	4
1 package	Paper cups	4
3	Plastic spoons	4
1 box	Rubber bands, assorted sizes	4
6 or more pairs	Safety goggles	4
3 500 ml (16 oz) bottles	Vinegar, white	4
3 or more	Water bottles, 16 oz, with pull-up sport caps	4
4 or more	Water pitchers	4
1	Wading pool, child’s (optional)	4
Class set	Colored pencils	5, 9, SBA 3
1 bottle	Food coloring, red	5
Various amounts	Ice	5, 6, 7
1 per group	Permanent markers	5
1 per group, plus 1 extra	Soda bottles, 2 L, clear	5
1 per group	Stopwatches (A watch or clock with a second hand can also be used.)	5, 6, 7
1 or more	Thermos (optional)	5, SBA 2
1 stick p/2 C)	Butter, chilled (cut into 6 mm (Vi in) thick slices)	6
1 piece	Dental floss	6
1	Glass canning jar, pint-size	6
1 piece	Plastic wrap	6
1	Tray or foam plate	6
1 piece	Wax paper	6
1 per group, plus 1 extra	Bottles (16-20 oz), plastic, wide-mouth, with caps	7
A variety	Insulator materials (cotton, polyester, nylon, fur, bubble wrap, rubber, newspaper, etc.)	7
1 roll	Masking tape	7, SBA 4
Class set	Colored markers	9
16	Cups, foam, small	SBA 2
As many as possible	Balls, various sizes	SBA 4
1 pad	Self-sticking notes	SBA 4
1 per group	Meter sticks	SBA 4

Return to top

Our writers recommended these independent websites for our field-test teachers.

Energy Resources

Alliance to Save Energy: Downloadable Lesson Plans

http://www.ase.org/educators/download.htm

This site contains lesson plans broken down by school level (elementary, middle, and high) on energy.

Energy Bike Programs

http://www.ohioenergy.org/energy_bike.htm

Information on the energy bike program which uses pedal power to generate electricity.

Energy Information Administration: Kids Page

http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/

An excellent site for students to explore independently to learn more about energy.

Energy Quest

http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/index.html

This kid-friendly site from the California Energy Commission provides great information on energy.

Energy Story

http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/story/chapter01.html

Explains the concept of energy at an appropriate level for upper elementary students. The section on "Food Energy" uses an ear of corn to explain how energy changes form in the food chain.

Learn About Energy

http://www.energy.gov/engine/content.do?BT_CODE=TS_SUBSECTION2

This U.S. Department of Energy site provides an array of resources for parents and teachers to use about energy.

Today in (Energy) History

http://www.energy.ca.gov/m+pco/history.html

This site, sponsored by the California Energy Commission, offers a timeline of historical events related to energy broken down by months of the year.

What is Energy?

http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/wcee/keep/Mod1/Whatis/energyforms.htm

This site contains a nice breakdown of the forms of energy with detailed explanations of each form.

Energy and Toys

Yo-Yo Tricks

http://www.yoyoguy.com/info/yoyo/nonspin.html

This site gives instructions for basic yo-yo tricks such as "Loop the Loop" and "Walk the Dog" for use in Lesson 3.

Rocket (or 3, 2, 1 POP!)

http://www.scoti.org.uk/nasarocket.htm

Pop Goes the Weasel - Pop Rockets

http://www.funsprouts.com/morescience.htm

Pop Rockets

http://www.hpedsb.on.ca/tyend/wow/6ES_poprocket.PDF

These sites offer simple directions for making pop rockets to show the transfer of chemical energy to motion energy.

Toys and Games for Adults and Children

http://www.ushist.com/props/toys-and-games.htm

The Museum of the City of New York

http://collectdolls.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mcny.org%2FCollections%2Ftoys%2Fdolls.htm

19th Century Amusements: Games and Toys

http://collectdolls.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geocities.com%2FHeartland%2FWoods%2F3501%2F19th.htm

Loudoun Museum: The Children’s Corner

http://www.loudounmuseum.org/MSChild/mscatl2b.htm

These sites feature toys of the 19th century.

Energy-Related Illustrations

At the Plough - Vincent Van Gogh

http://www.popartuk.com/art/at-the-plough-6420228-print.asp

Galleries of Clothesline Art

http://www.laundrylist.org/art/gallery/index.htm

These sites offer artwork depicting some of the ways energy was harnessed in earlier times to perform work.

Current Creations: Kite Designs

http://sln.fi.edu//tfi/units/energy/current.html

Use this site to reinforce the concept of wind energy by having students create their own kite designs.

Rube Goldberg Gallery

http://www.rubegoldberg.com/html/gallery.htm

An Automatic Back Scratcher

http://www.anl.gov/OPA/rube/rubeback.html

A Haircut Reminder

http://www.chabotspace.org/visit/programs/techbridge/download/rube_goldberg.pdf

Fantastic Inventions: A Haircut Reminder

http://www.berkeley.edu/news/berkeleyan/2002/03/06_gold.html

Arthur Ganson’s Chain Reaction

http://www.exploratorium.edu/webcasts/ganson/

These sites provide students examples of chain reaction-like images by Rube Goldberg and Arthur Ganson.

The Advertising Artwork of Dr. Seuss

http://orpheus.ucsd.edu/speccoll/dsads/daggetramsdell/daggettramsdell.shtml

Use this site to introduce students to the crazy invention ideas of Dr. Seuss.

Heat Energy, Temperature, and Insulation

DOE Recommended Total R-Values for Existing Homes

http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumerinfo/energy_savers/r-value_map.html

Provides a map of the United States that students can click on to find the recommended insulation values for their region of the country.

Heat and Energy Learning Resources

http://www.exploratorium.edu/ti/resources/heatandenergy.html

This site from the Exploratorium provides ample resources for further exploration with heat and energy.

How Do Mood Rings Work?

http://www.howstuffworks.com/question443.htm

This site explains how the heat energy generated by the body makes a mood ring change color.

Insulation and Weatherization

http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumerinfo/energy_savers/insulation.html

This site provides information on insulation.

The Origin of the Celsius Temperature Scale

http://perso.wanadoo.fr/olivier.granier/thermo/liv_tel/tcelsius/scale.htm

Daniel Fahrenheit, Anders Celsius Left Their Marks

http://www.gi.alaska.edu/ScienceForum/ASF13/1317.html

These sites provides background information on the Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature scales.

The Mysteries and Myths of Heat: A Brief History of Hot and Cold

http://www.infinite-energy.com/iemagazine/issue37/mysteries.html

This site provides a nice reference for teachers on the history of the science of heat energy.

Energy Efficiency

Energy Star

http://www.energystar.gov/

This site explains energy star products and how people can make their homes and businesses more energy efficient using energy star products.

Fuel Economy

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/

This site provides detailed information on fuel efficient cars and let’s students find and compare different cars for their fuel efficiency.

The Secret Lives of Energy

http://www.fi.edu/guide/hughes/energy_us.html

This site provides teachers and students with ideas for using energy more efficiently.

Building Technologies Program: U.S. Department of Energy

http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/k-12activities/

This site provides information on energy efficiency by building type as well as the codes and standards needed for energy efficient buildings.

Infinite Power

http://www.infinitepower.org

An excellent site from the Texas State Energy Conservation Office with fact sheets and lessons plans on energy efficiency.

Ten Things You Can Do to Curb Global Warming

www.sierraclub.org/globalwarming/tenthings.asp

A downloadable file from the Sierra Club listing ten things students can do to be more energy efficient to curb global warming.

Energy and Machines

Pneumatics (Air-Powered Machines)

http://www.smm.org/sln/tf/p/pneumatic/pneumatic.html

This site shows some pneumatics that students developed including a machine that shoots through the air and a machine that launches an airplane.

From Windmills to Whirlygigs: A Conversation with Vollis Simpson

http://www.sci.mus.mn.us/sln/vollis/video.htm

Come meet Vollis Simpson, mechanic and visual artist, who makes whirligigs, or wind-powered machines, out of the strangest materials!

Solar Hot Dog Cooker

http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/projects/solardogs.html

This site details how to set up a solar hot dog cooker in your classroom to demonstrate how solar energy can be transferred to do a useful task.

The History of the Refrigerator

http://www.gizmohighway.com/history/refrigerator.htm

This site provides background information on the development of the refrigerator and many other common household appliances, including telephones and televisions.

Kids’ Inventions

United States Patent and Trademark Office: Kids Pages

http://www.uspto.gov/go/kids/

This site provides some great interactive opportunities for students. In "My Inventive Room," they go back in time and watch as the inventions in a room disappear. In the "Time Machine Game," they transform visionary ideas into their corresponding inventions with a time machine.

Start Your Invention

http://www.bkfk.com/howtoinvent/process.asp

This site offers kids ideas on how to start developing their own inventions and designs.

Games Machines Play

http://www.pbs.org/saf/1208/teaching/menu.htm

Check this site for information about viewing episodes of Scientific American Frontiers’ special "Games Machines Play" showing present-day student inventors putting their inventions to a test.

Scientists and Inventors

Inventors Hall of Fame

http://www.invent.org/hall_of_fame/1_4_8_ind.asp

Invention at Play

http://www.si.edu/lemelson/centerpieces/iap/index.html

Invention Convention

http://www.eduplace.com/science/invention/guidelines/index.html

Innovative Lives

http://www.si.edu/lemelson/centerpieces/ilives/index.html

Super Scientists: A Gallery of Energy Pioneers

http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/scientists/index.html

Pioneers of Energy

http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/pioneers.html#Newton

These kid-friendly sites provide information on scientists and inventors whose work advanced the study of energy.