Energy Web Links
Our writers recommended these independent websites for our field-test teachers.
Energy Resources
*
Energy Bike Programs
Information on the energy bike program which uses pedal power to generate electricity. ( http://www.ohioenergy.org/bike.html )
Energy Information Administration: Kids Page
An excellent site for students to explore independently to learn more about energy. ( http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/ )
Energy Quest
This kid-friendly site from the California Energy Commission provides great information on energy. ( http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/index.html )
Energy Story
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.( http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/story/chapter01.html )
What is Energy?
This site contains a nice breakdown of the forms of energy with detailed explanations of each form.
( http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/wcee/keep/Mod1/Whatis/energyforms.htm )
*
Energy and Toys
*
Yo-Yo Tricks
This site gives instructions for basic yo-yo tricks such as “Loop the Loop” and “Walk the Dog” for use in Lesson 3. ( http://www.yoyoguy.com/info/yoyo/nonspin.html )
Rocket (or 3, 2, 1 POP!)
This site shows students how to make pop rockets. ( http://quest.nasa.gov/space/teachers/rockets/act3.html )
Pop Goes the Weasel – Pop Rockets
This site gives instructions on how to make simple pop rockets out of film canisters, effervescent tablets, and water. ( http://www.funsprouts.com/morescience.htm )
Toys and Games for Adults and Children
This site features toys of the 19th century. ( http://www.ushist.com/props/toys-and-games.htm )
*
Energy-Related Illustrations
*
Rube Goldberg Gallery and Arthur Ganson’s Chain Reaction
These sites provide students examples of chain reaction-like images by Rube Goldberg and Arthur Ganson. ( http://www.rubegoldberg.com/html/gallery.htm ) ( http://www.exploratorium.edu/webcasts/ganson/ )
The Advertising Artwork of Dr. Seuss
Use this site to introduce students to the crazy invention ideas of Dr. Seuss. ( http://orpheus.ucsd.edu/speccoll/dsads/daggetramsdell/daggettramsdell.shtml )
*
Heat Energy, Temperature, and Insulation
*
How Do Mood Rings Work?
This site explains how the heat energy generated by the body makes a mood ring change color. ( http://www.howstuffworks.com/question443.htm )
Insulation and Weatherization
This site provides information on insulation. ( http://progress-energy.com/custservice/carres/energytips/aecfaq4-weatherization.pdf )
Daniel Fahrenheit, Anders Celsius Left Their Marks
This site provides background information on the Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature scales. ( http://www.gi.alaska.edu/ScienceForum/ASF13/1317.html )
The Mysteries and Myths of Heat: A Brief History of Hot and Cold
This site provides a nice reference for teachers on the history of the science of heat energy ( http://www.infinite-energy.com/iemagazine/issue37/mysteries.html )
*
Energy Efficiency
*
Energy Star
This site explains energy star products and how people can make their homes and businesses more energy efficient using energy star products. ( http://www.energystar.gov/ )
Fuel Economy
This site provides detailed information on fuel efficient cars and let’s students find and compare different cars for their fuel efficiency. ( http://www.fueleconomy.gov/ )
The Secret Lives of Energy
This site provides teachers and students with ideas for using energy more efficiently. ( http://www.fi.edu/guide/hughes/energy_us.html )
Building Technologies Program: U.S. Department of Energy
This site provides information on energy efficiency by building type as well as the codes and standards needed for energy efficient buildings. ( http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/ )
Infinite Power
An excellent site from the Texas State Energy Conservation Office with fact sheets and lessons plans on energy efficiency. ( http://www.infinitepower.org )
Ten Things You Can Do to Curb Global Warming
A downloadable file from the Sierra Club listing ten things students can do to be more energy efficient to curb global warming. ( http://www.sierraclub.org/energy/tenthings/default.aspx )
*
Energy and Machines
*
Pneumatics (Air-Powered Machines)
This site shows some pneumatics that students developed including a machine that shoots through the air and a machine that launches an airplane. ( http://www.smm.org/sln/tf/p/pneumatic/pneumatic.html )
From Windmills to Whirlygigs: A Conversation with Vollis Simpson
Come meet Vollis Simpson, mechanic and visual artist, who makes whirligigs, or wind-powered machines, out of the strangest materials! ( http://www.sci.mus.mn.us/sln/vollis/video.htm )
Solar Hot Dog Cooker
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. ( http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/projects/solardogs.html )
The History of the Refrigerator
This site provides background information on the development of the refrigerator and many other common household appliances, including telephones and televisions. ( http://www.gizmohighway.com/history/refrigerator.htm )
*
Kids’ Inventions
*
United States Patent and Trademark Office: Kids Pages
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. ( http://www.uspto.gov/go/kids/ )
Games Machines Play
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. ( http://www.pbs.org/saf/1208/teaching/menu.htm )
*
Scientists and Inventors
*
Inventors Hall of Fame
The inventors of industry are highlighted on this site. ( http://www.invent.org/hall_of_fame/1_4_8_ind.asp )
Invention Convention
The Invention Convention is a type of science fair for students. Students will be working on their projects independently at home unless otherwise instructed by the teacher. To become familiar with the invention process and the expectations held for students. ( http://www.eduplace.com/science/invention/guidelines/index.html )
Super Scientists: A Gallery of Energy Pioneers
Students can click on pictures of scientists to learn about their contributions in the field of Energy. ( http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/scientists/index.html )