Here is a lesson plan for an individual child working at home with parents or a tutor and a list of some extra resources.

Lesson Plan: Renewable Energy Sources

Objective:
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to understand what renewable energy is, identify different types of renewable energy sources, and explain how they work and their importance for the environment.

Materials Needed:

Internet access for research
Various art supplies for a creative project (coloured pencils, markers, construction paper, glue, scissors)
Printed pictures of different types of renewable energy sources (wind turbines, solar panels, hydroelectric dams, etc.)
“Energy Island” by Allan Drummond (or any other relevant children’s book about renewable energy)

Part 1: Introduction (15 minutes)

Start the lesson with a brief discussion about what energy is and why it’s important. Discuss the different ways we use energy in our daily lives (e.g., for lighting, heating, transportation).
Introduce the concept of renewable energy. Explain that renewable energy comes from sources that can be replenished within a human’s lifetime.

Part 2: Types of Renewable Energy (30 minutes)

Introduce the main types of renewable energy: solar, wind, hydro (water), biomass, and geothermal. Use printed pictures and simple explanations to illustrate each type. For example:
- Solar energy: Comes from the sun. It can be used to generate electricity or heat homes.
- Wind energy: Created by wind turbines which spin to generate electricity.
- Hydro energy: Comes from the movement of water. Dams can be used to generate electricity.
- Biomass energy: Comes from organic materials like plants and waste. These materials can be burned for heat or converted into gas or liquid fuel.
- Geothermal energy: Comes from heat within the Earth. It can be used for heating and to generate electricity.
Read “Energy Island” by Allan Drummond (or a similar book). This book tells the story of the Danish island of Samsø, which uses 100% renewable energy. Discuss the different types of renewable energy used on the island.

Part 3: Creative Activity (30 minutes)

Ask the student to create a renewable energy poster. The poster should include all the types of renewable energy discussed and an illustration showing how each one works. They should also include a sentence or two about why each type of renewable energy is important for the environment.

Part 4: Reflection and Discussion (15 minutes)

Discuss the student’s poster. Ask them to explain each type of renewable energy and its importance.
Ask the student to think about and discuss what would happen if everyone in the world used renewable energy.

Homework:
Ask the student to find out more about renewable energy projects in your local area. They can do this by searching online or talking to local community leaders. They should prepare a short presentation about what they find.

Additional Resources:

Videos about renewable energy suitable for kids
Websites with interactive renewable energy games
Books about renewable energy

Please note that this is a basic plan, and it might need to be adjusted based on the student’s prior knowledge and abilities.

Futher resources:

Books

Here are some children’s books that can help to enrich understanding about renewable energy and environmental consciousness:

“The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer: This is a true story about a young boy from Malawi who builds a windmill from junk to create electricity for his village. It’s a great way to show the power of renewable energy and the difference it can make.
“What’s the Big Deal About First Ladies” by Ruby Shamir: While this book doesn’t exclusively focus on renewable energy, it discusses how various First Ladies of the United States have contributed to environmental policy and awareness. It’s a good way to introduce children to the political aspects of renewable energy and environmental conservation.
“Catch the Wind, Harness the Sun: 22 Super-Charged Projects for Kids” by Michael J. Caduto: This book is a bit different as it’s full of hands-on projects that kids can do to explore renewable energy. It’s a great way to make the concept of renewable energy tangible and exciting for kids.
“The Lorax” by Dr. Seuss: Though not strictly about renewable energy, “The Lorax” is a classic tale of environmental conservation. It teaches about the importance of respecting and preserving nature, which is an important part of the broader conversation around renewable energy.
“George Saves the World by Lunchtime” by Jo Readman: This book introduces children to the concept of recycling, reducing, and reusing. It shows how small everyday actions can contribute to saving the world, a lesson that ties in well with discussions about renewable energy.
“One Plastic Bag: Isatou Ceesay and the Recycling Women of the Gambia” by Miranda Paul: This true story tells how one woman started a movement to recycle plastic bags and transform her community. It’s a fantastic way to discuss resourcefulness and the importance of recycling, which can be linked to broader discussions about energy use and renewable resources.

Remember to review each book yourself to ensure it’s appropriate for your student’s age and comprehension level.

videos about renewable energy

here are some videos about renewable energy suitable for children:

What is Renewable Energy? by The Kid Should See This (YouTube) is a short and engaging video that explains what renewable energy is and how it works. It uses simple language and colorful animations to make the topic easy to understand.

Opens in a new window Teach EngineeringWhat is Renewable Energy? video by The Kid Should See This (YouTube)

Renewable Energy for Kids by SciShow Kids (YouTube) is a more in-depth video that explores the different types of renewable energy and how they are used. It also discusses the benefits and challenges of using renewable energy.

Opens in a new window Free Technology for TeachersRenewable Energy for Kids video by SciShow Kids (YouTube)

The Power of Renewable Energy by National Geographic Kids (YouTube) is a fun and interactive video that lets kids learn about renewable energy through games and activities.

Opens in a new window TwinklPower of Renewable Energy video by National Geographic Kids (YouTube)

How Renewable Energy Works by Khan Academy Kids (YouTube) is a simple and easy-to-follow video that explains how renewable energy works. It uses clear visuals and step-by-step instructions to make the topic easy to understand.

Opens in a new window StartupTalkyHow Renewable Energy Works video by Khan Academy Kids (YouTube)

Renewable Energy Song by The Learning Station (YouTube) is a catchy song that teaches kids about the different types of renewable energy. It’s a fun way to learn about this important topic.

Opens in a new window The Learning StationRenewable Energy Song video by The Learning Station (YouTube)

I hope these videos help kids learn about renewable energy and its importance.

UK educational websites

Here are some UK educational websites that provide comprehensive information on renewable energy:

The Renewable Energy Centre is a leading UK organization that provides information and resources on renewable energy. Their website has a wealth of information on all aspects of renewable energy, including news, articles, videos, and educational resources.

Opens in a new window WikipediaRenewable Energy Centre website

The Energy Saving Trust is a UK government-backed organization that provides information and advice on energy efficiency and renewable energy. Their website has a section on renewable energy that includes information on different types of renewable energy, how to choose the right renewable energy system for your home, and how to install and maintain your renewable energy system.

Opens in a new window Energy Saving TrustEnergy Saving Trust website

The Green Energy UK is a UK trade association that represents the renewable energy industry. Their website has a section on renewable energy education that includes information on renewable energy courses, events, and resources.

Opens in a new window WikipediaGreen Energy UK website

The National Energy Foundation is a UK charity that promotes energy education. Their website has a section on renewable energy that includes information on renewable energy for schools, teachers, and students.

Opens in a new window WikipediaNational Energy Foundation website

The Sustainable Energy Association is a UK trade association that represents the sustainable energy industry. Their website has a section on renewable energy that includes information on renewable energy policy, news, and events.

Opens in a new window sustainableenergyassociation.comSustainable Energy Association website

I hope these websites help you learn more about renewable energy.

The World Wildlife Fund is an international conservation organization that has a website dedicated to renewable energy. The website has information on the benefits of renewable energy, as well as tips on how to switch to renewable energy in your own home.

some educational websites that provide information on renewable energy for kids:

Energy Kids from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has a variety of games, activities, and resources for kids of all ages to learn about energy.

Opens in a new window ParentsEnergy Kids website

Climate Kids from NASA provides engaging content for kids about climate change, including renewable energy.

Opens in a new window NASA Climate KidsClimate Kids website

The Learning Station has a number of videos and resources about renewable energy for kids, including a song about the different types of renewable energy.