Paul M. Jones
Teacher Resources
Books
Green. Hoffman, J. & Hoffman, M. Palgrave Macmillan 2008. This book is a highly readable novelization of the global availability of, and conversion to, renewable energy. Loaded with stats, factoids, and anecdotes, it can be read in a weekend to prepare the teacher for this unit. Selections can be taken from it for readings for some high school students.
Holt Science Spectrum. Teacher's Edition. Dobson, K., et al. Holt, Rinehart & Winston. 2006. A broad text, common nationally that focuses on physical and earth sciences. It carries a strong environmental science unit with a large portion focused on energy use. Teacher's edition offers excellent activities and hands-on demonstrations.
Teaching Secondary School Science. Bybee, R., Powell, J. & Trowbridge, L. Prentice Hall. 2004. This resource offers teachers insight on inquire based questioning and teaching strategies to facilitate data analysis, as well as assessments, rubrics in particular.
Websites
http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php?screen=NewRubric§ion_id=9#04
Rubristar.org offers prepared and up to date rubrics for all disciplines and including a free rubric generator that allows the teachers to add their own suitable categories.
http://www.eia.doe.gov/state/index.cfm Accessed July 1, 2010. An index listing of recent energy use profiles of all states.
http://www.cl-p.com/energycalculator/home.aspx Accessed July 1, 2010. This site directs to a Connecticut specific energy use calculator provided by Connecticut Light and Power. This calculator provides current information, changeable parameters, selectable rooms using current energy prices and availability.
http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx Accessed July 1, 2010. This site offers a carbon footprint calculator, streamlined for adults and high school students.
Student Resources
Books
Holt Science Spectrum. Teacher's Edition. Dobson, K., et al. Holt, Rinehart & Winston. 2006. A broad text, common nationally that focuses on physical and earth sciences.
Websites with readings, information, and research material
http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=about_energy_conversion_calculator-basics Accessed July 1, 2010. An energy use calculator designed for use by students. This calculator includes factors for lifestyle of the individual.
http://www.zerofootprintkids.com/kids_home.aspx Accessed July, 1 2010. This site provides a very basic calculator designed for school aged children. It may be appropriate for special needs or challenged learners.
http://www.ctcleanenergy.com Accessed July 2, 2010. A 3-D tutorial on nearly all renewable energy sources, with breakdowns on how they all work. Easy to navigate, great animated/flash images, and interesting sound effects.
http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=renewable_home-basics Accessed July 1, 2010. An all in one website that is readings based. Breaks down renewable and nonrenewable energies, in readings designed for students.
http://www.infinitepower.org/factsheets.htm Accessed July 1, 2010. A website from the Texas State Energy Conservation Office has fact sheets and information about renewable energy, and activities for students. Appropriate for research.